Local Producers Implement Conservation Improvements with CSCB Support
Colorado First Conservation District recently partnered with local landowners to complete conservation improvements made possible through a Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB) Matching Grant.
The project supported livestock water improvements, fencing upgrades, weed management, seeding, and pond repair across multiple properties. These practices improve grazing efficiency, water quality, and long-term land productivity. Participating producers reported improved water access, reduced weed pressure, and enhanced pasture conditions.

Funding for this project was provided in part by the Colorado State Conservation Board Matching Grant Program, with matching contributions from participating landowners.
 

Funding Opportunities

2026 Drought Mitigation Cost Share Program 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Colorado First Conservation District is announcing the availability of Emergency Drought Mitigation Cost-Share Funding for agricultural producers in Moffat County.

Eligible producers may receive reimbursement of up to $2,500 per project with a required 1:1 producer match of at least $2,500.

The program's primary focus is addressing immediate drought impacts affecting agricultural operations. Priority will be given to projects that provide direct and timely drought relief, such as:
● Short-term livestock water development
● water distribution improvements
● emergency water hauling
● temporary infrastructure
● and other urgent drought mitigation needs.

The district also recognizes the importance of preparing for future drought conditions. Long-term drought resilience projects will be considered as funding allows and may include:
● grazing management improvements such as cross-fencing/ VF
● soil health practices
● forage enhancement
● range restoration
● and water conservation infrastructure.

Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects that demonstrate meaningful drought mitigation benefits.

Please contact the Colorado First Conservation District at coloradofirstcd@yahoo.com or CLICK HERE for application materials, eligibility requirements, and project approval procedures. We encourage interested producers to apply early, as available funds are limited.

 

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: Funding limited - please email for information

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.