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​ Financial Assistance for Conservation Practices
The Shawnee County Conservation District offers financial assistance for a wide range of conservation practices.
  • Applications are prioritized using a point‑based system focused on improving water quality.
  • Projects must be approved before construction begins to be eligible for funding.
Program Eligibility & Key Requirements 
  • Projects already started or completed are not eligible.
  • Approved practices must be properly maintained for at least 10 years.
  • Funding is available only for eligible practices installed within Kansas.
  • Applications are subject to landowner and project funding limits.
Conservation Programs Available
The following Kansas Department of Agriculture—Division of Conservation (DOC) programs are administered locally through the Shawnee County Conservation District:
  • Water Resources Cost‑Share Program (WRCSP)
  • Non‑Point Source Pollution Control Program (NPSPCP)
  • Riparian and Wetland Protection Program (RWPP)Additional DOC programs may be available in separate documents upon request.
Program Objectives
DOC conservation programs are designed to:
  • Improve soil health and reduce erosion
  • Protect surface water and groundwater quality
  • Reduce agricultural runoff and meet TMDL requirements
  • Protect public drinking water supplies
  • Reduce flood damage
  • Enhance wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat
 ​Other Agencies
Permits and technical support may involve KDHE, KDA‑DWR, KDWP, US Army Corps of Engineers, and LEPP.
​Important Application Notice
  • An approved application is required before starting any construction or repairs.
  • Costs incurred prior to approval may disqualify a project from funding.
  • Program Administration & Technical Support Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation (DOC)
  • Oversees program rules, contract approval, and payments.
Shawnee County Conservation District
  • Implements programs locally and assists landowners.
  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
  • Provides technical assistance, design, and certification.

​Easements & Legal Considerations 
  • Easements are required when practices extend onto neighboring property.
  • Easement agreements must be voluntary, recorded, and submitted before construction.
  • Easements must allow access for installation, inspection, and maintenance.

Funding Limits & Program Restrictions
  • Maximum cost‑share per project: $10,000 (exceptions may apply)
  • Maximum landowner limit per program year: $15,000
  • Cost‑share cannot exceed 100% of actual eligible costs
  • Cost‑share funds cannot be split between DOC programs
  • Certain practices may be restricted on CRP lands
  • Practices must meet DOC‑approved standards and specifications
Next Steps
  • Contact the Shawnee County Conservation District to discuss eligibility
  • Submit an application before starting work
  • Coordinate with technical staff to ensure compliance and maximize ranking points
 Important Dates
Each program year guidelines and policies are established by DOC in April and May.
 The following are important dates for the WRCSP, NPSPCP, and RWPP.
Fall or Winter
  • Current program year funds not under contract (uncommitted balances) may be cancelled either late Fall or early Winter, the date to be determined by the DOC.
May
  • DOC notifies conservation districts that the new program year allocations are posted in CSIMS on the CS-1 District Allocation Report. (Not applicable to the RWPP.) Districts must electronically submit a CS-2 District Program for each cost-share program and submit a ranking worksheet to be used in ranking requests.
Fiscal Year-End Processing
  • End of the current program year will be determined by the DOC. The current program year contracts should be completed, cancelled, or paid. Contracts eligible for encumbering will be determined by the DOC.
 June 30 -- Program Year Ends
Current program year ends.
July 1 -- New Program Year Begins
 The contract completion date set by the conservation district shall not exceed May 1st of the program year
 
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Water Resources Cost‑Share Program (WRCSP)
Program Purpose
Provides cost‑share assistance to landowners for implementing high‑priority conservation practices, funded by the State Water Plan Fund.
Priority Focus Areas
  • Water quality protection in TMDL‑designated watersheds
  • Public water supply and groundwater protection
  • State Water Planning priorities
  • Irrigation efficiency improvements
  • Locally identified county conservation priorities
Eligible Practices (Examples)
  • Erosion & Sediment Control: terraces, grassed waterways, underground outlets
  • Pasture & Rangeland Management: ponds, brush control
  • Riparian Protection: windbreaks, mulching
  • Soil Health: cover crops
  • Nutrient Management: grid soil sampling
  • Water Well Decommissioning: proper plugging
  • Cross Fencing
  • Non‑Point Source Pollution Control Program (NPSPCP)
Program Overview
A voluntary program originating from the Kansas Water Plan that provides technical and financial assistance to reduce pollution entering surface and groundwater from non‑point sources.
Program Focus Areas
TMDL watershed protection and restoration
Public water supply and groundwater protection
State Water Planning priorities
Education and outreach for youth and adults
Locally identified water quality concerns
On‑Site Wastewater System Assistance
Additional funding may be available for failing septic systems or lagoons.
To qualify:
  • The system must be officially declared failing
  • Repairs must meet Shawnee County Health and Environment standards
  • Only complete system repairs are eligible


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