USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has traditionally provided local conservation technical services to the county. While the quality of that assistance remains excellent, the number of federal technical personnel available for local assistance has steadily declined. Over the past 15 years, Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District has gradually built its capacity to deliver technical, educational, and financial assistance to meet local conservation needs. Demand for services has steadily risen as local people and organizations have requested assistance in dealing with erosion control, water quality, endangered species issues, protection from flood hazards, and other environmental and natural resource issues.
Growth in the SWCD capabilities has helped narrow the growing gap between conservation workload and technical assistance availability. The district has done that with an aggressive grant writing program, and a solid staff training program. The district’s efforts have brought millions of dollars into the local economy over the past 15 years through grants for on-the-ground conservation work such as erosion control, water quality improvements, and habitat improvements. Technical assistance provided by the SWCD has been essential for programs such as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The SWCD provides technical assistance and cost share assistance for cropland erosion control and range management projects. The SWCD provides workshops on natural resource issues and sponsors an annual conservation tour.
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