Conservation Practice Cost-share

Conservation Funding through the Soil and Water Resources Grant

Our commitment to conservation includes cost-share programs that address soil erosion and improve water quality in Iowa County. These programs provide financial assistance for landowners and operators making decisions on how to reduce soil erosion, improve water infiltration and quality, build soil health, and increase wildlife habitat.

The Iowa County Land Conservation Department partners with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to provide Soil and Water Resources Grant funds to landowners whose projects meet eligibility. Funding for all manure-related hard practices and all agronomic practices require a current Nutrient Management Plan.

70% cost-sharing for structures that solve soil, water, or other resource concerns. Common practices include:

• Grassed Water Way
• Stream Bank and Shoreline Protection
• Prescribed Grazing System
• Filter Strip
• Roof Runoff System
• Well Decommission
• Manure Storage Abandonment
• Access Road or Cattle Crossing
• Critical Area Stabilization
• Clean Water Diversion
• Heavy Use Area Protection
• Livestock Watering Facility
• Milking Center Waste Control System
• Water and Sediment Control Basin
• Animal Trails or Walkways

Up to 90% cost-share is accessible to those verifying economic hardship under s. ATCP 50.42 (4)

We offer cost-sharing for agronomic practices, such as: 

• Cover Crops - $25/acre
• No-till – $18.50/acre
• Reduced Tillage – $9.25/acre
• Contour Strip-Cropping – $13.50/acre
• Contour Farming - $9/acre
• Nutrient Management Plans $32/acre

Interested in conservation cost-share? Call 608-930-9891 to talk to our staff about your project. 

For more information about the Soil and Water Resources Management Grant: DATCP Home Land and Water Resource Management Plans (wi.gov)

The Iowa County Land Conservation Department has additional funding in 2024 for projects aimed to reduce groundwater contamination. These one-time cost-share funds can be used in addition to the above funding from DATCP. Funds are limited and must be used in 2024 or 2025. Most eligible projects will be awarded first-come first-served.

Projects include:

• Well replacement for wells that are open to both the upper and lower aquifers
• Well Abatement
• Replacing pre-1980 septic systems
• Sinkholes
• Mineshafts
• Nutrient Management Planning
• Nitrogen Use Efficiency Assessment Incentive

 Click here for more info on 2024 Groundwater Project Funding.