The Riparian and Wetlands Program (RW) is tasked with promoting conservation for wetlands and streams throughout the State of Kansas. Working with the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environments, and Kansas Forest Service, this program helps to administer the Streambank Protection Program for the State of Kansas. In addition to this, the Riparian and Wetlands Program provides financial assistance to landowners to implement riparian and wetland conservation projects on private lands to improve water quality, increase quality wildlife habitat, and promote conservation of these valuable natural resources and the benefits they provide.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture– Division of Conservation (DOC) announces the Riparian Quality Enhancement Initiative (RQEI) to provide financial assistance for the enhancement of riparian areas. This initiative will be made available to designated areas within 1/4 - 1/2 mile areas adjacent to impacted streams in the Delaware River, Stranger Creek, Little Arkansas River, and Rock Creek Watersheds.

How it works:

Tier 3 projects: A producer who wants to install a watering facility outside the riparian area to encourage cattle to spend less time in the stream will receive 80% cost-share up to a $3,500 limit.

Tier 2 Projects: A producer who will fence the riparian area and install a new watering source is eligible for 80% cost-share up to a $7,500 limit. Stream Crossings can be included to connect pastures.

Tier 1 Projects: These projects will provide new water for livestock, exclude livestock from the riparian area, and increase the quality of riparian corridor itself. A producer could install a new watering facility, fence the riparian area, and plant a Riparian Buffer and be eligible for 80% cost-share up to $10,000.

     

Please note that all practices will need to be installed to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) specifications and standards. All pasture and range areas will need to follow an NRCS grazing plan. Cropland areas that are utilized for residue and cover crop grazing will need to follow NRCS guidance.

Ranking will occur within each tier group with preference going to the higher tier projects. (All Tier 1 projects will be selected before any Tier 2 projects. All Tier 2 projects will be selected before any Tier 3 projects.)

Producers who are interested should complete a Project Proposal Form at their local Conservation District office in consultation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. All proposals should be submitted to the Division of Conservation, through the Conservation District, by February 15, 2019. Conservation Districts will be notified of successful applicants by March 15, 2019.

To contact your local Conservation District, look at the Kansas Conservation Districts Directory.

Riparian Quality Enhancement Initiative Eligible Practices

As part of the ongoing effort to decrease harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Milford Reservoir, the Riparian and Wetlands Program is offering an incentive payment to producers who install CRP practices that help reduce sedimentation and nutrient runoff. Currently, the initiative is only open to targeted areas in the Lower Republican Watershed. This area includes the counties of Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Geary, Republic, Riley, and Washington. Producers who have property within a Tier 1 area are eligible for a one-time payment of $225/acre, and those producers with property in Tier 2 areas are eligible for a one-time payment of $162.50/acre. Please contact your local Conservation District for more information.

         

Eligible CRP Practices:

1. CP-8A, Grassed Waterway
2. CP-9, Shallow Water Areas for Wildlife
3. CP-21, Filter Strips
4. CP-22, Riparian Forest Buffer
5. CP-23, Wetland Restoration
6. CP-27, Improvements to Farmable Wetlands
7. CP-28, Farmable Wetland Buffers
8. CP-31, Bottomland Hardwood Timber Establishment
9. CP-33, Upland Bird Habitat Buffers

 

  
Collectively known as the “Inter-agency Streambank Team,” the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Forest Service, and the Riparian and Wetlands Program work with private landowners to decrease sediment in our federal reservoirs caused by accelerated streambank erosion. The group seeks to target the largest contributing sites first, with some losing more than 20,000 tons of sediment per year. Targeting the Delaware, Tuttle and John Redmond Reservoirs, the streambank is stabilized with a riparian buffer installed to help insure longevity. There is no cost to landowners for the projects. Sites are monitored for several years following installation to help insure a successful project that protects both agricultural lands and the interest of downstream water users.

                

Here is a link to the Kansas Water Office website which gives access to a map of completed projects and current targeted sites: 

Completed Projects/Current Targeted Sites

Often overlooked, wetlands provide a unique resource for water quality, water availability, and wildlife habitat. Through the Riparian and Wetland Program, the Division of Conservation provides financial assistance to landowners who want to develop or rejuvenate existing wetlands.

Through this portion of the program, the Division of Conservation works with partners such as Ducks Unlimited and Playa Lakes Joint Venture to promote playa conservation in western Kansas. These shallow and seasonally dry wetlands provide habitat for many species and serve as a source of recharge for the Ogallala Aquifer.

Please contact your local conservation district or the Division of Conservation if you would like more information on financial assistance for wetlands.