Funding Opportunities

Producer Cost Share Program (PCSP) - APPLICATION HERE

Up to $2,500 will be reimbursed to producers implementing projects in one or more of the areas: Improve wildlife habitat, Target invasive pests, Improve pasture/crop production, or Improve grazing.

• Project must occur between Jan 1st, 2025 and Nov 20th, 2025
• Approximately 8 projects will be funded ($20,000 available)
• Producers must match the total dollars (cash or in-kind costs) for reimbursement. 

Example Project: Fencing to Enhance Rotational Grazing

5,000 ft @1.00 per foot + $5,000.00

Maximum % Cost Share + 50% or $2,500 whichever is less

Landowner Pays $5,000, CFCD Reimburses $2,500 upon completed project and application

• Pre-approved projects will take priority; producers may apply for multiple projects if funding allows

For more information send us an email at coloradofirstcd@yahoo.com

Seed Share Program (In Partnership with Northwest Colorado HPP)

Up to 100 acres of pasture seed mix will be distributed to landowners implementing seeding projects

• Must allow hunting
• Required to work with CFCD Representative for monitoring and follow-up
• Allow new seeding to rest (no grazing) for one year in order to allow seeding to establish
• Follows best management conservation practices
• Program ends upon complete seed distribution

Contact us at coloradofirstcd@yahoo.com

STAR Plus Program (STAR+)

CFCD will enroll 5-7 landowners in STAR Plus Program to leverage dollars provided by the producer to increase the capacity of soil health practices on the farm/ranch

• Interest in soil health and conservation, good record keeping and participation in peer to peer training 
• Incentive payments of $150/acre, matched with equal contribution from participant (up to $10,000)
• 3-year commitment (must own or lease enrolled acreage)
• Required to work with district representative on field intake form, soil testing, and yearly follow-up
• Commitment to 5 soil health principals: Soil armor, Minimize soil disturbance, Plant diversity, Continual live plant/root, Livestock integration

Contact us at coloradofirstcd@yahoo.com

Greater Sage-grouse Habitat Project

The funding will allow CFCD to implement targeted efforts to ensure the long-term conservation of Greater Sage-grouse in Northwest Colorado by funding projects focused on restoration and enhancement of priority and general habitat. Additionally, the grant will support collaborative work with local ranchers, government agencies, and conservation partners to ensure the health of these rangelands for both wildlife and agricultural use. CFCD will be reaching out to key stakeholders in the community to start engaging on four key outcomes of:

·         Improving habitat quality on rangelands and create contiguous patches of sagebrush.

·         Enhancing habitat through control of invasive plants.

·         Reversing juniper/conifer encroachment in sagebrush habitats.

·         Maintaining and improving habitat on grazing lands/rangeland.

For more information, contact Project Manager Mark Lowrey at 970-329-3146 or email cfcdsagegrouse@gmail.com

Online Application for Sage-grouse habitat projects

Invasive Annual Grass Program - APPLICATION HERE

Across the West, invasive annual grasses are a major threat to sagebrush rangelands, impacting plant communities, wildlife habitat, and wildfire risk.  Colorado First Conservation District has obtained funding through the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the America the Beautiful (ATB) Challenge to help landowners control invasive annual grasses on private land.  

*CFCD will pay up to 100% of the cost of pre-emergent herbicide for up to 225 acres, up to $48.80/acre for a maximum dollar amount of $11,000, to treat the following target species: Cheat grass, Bulbous Blue Grass, Medusahead, Ventenatta.

*Landower will be responsible for cost of labor, application, and other associated chemical costs/ tank mixes.