Shelby County Conservation District local cost-share programs

How it works

Shelby County Conservation District says it offers 12 local cost-share programs for Shelby County residents who have a Farm Number. The district also says it works with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and has state and federal programs, but the official county page specifically lists the district’s own local programs.

What the money covers

The page lists the following local programs: Backyard Conservation, Lime, Pasture and Hay Seed, Livestock Water, Heavy Use Area, Hoop Barn, Sinkhole Repair, Pasture and Hay Management (Spray), Wildlife Pollinator Habitat, High/Low Tunnel, Exclusion Fence, and Cover Crop.

The page states that most programs offer 50% cost share of completed practice with a maximum of $1,000 per year per program. It also says Backyard Conservation is a 50% cost share of completed practice with a maximum of $500 per household per year.

Amounts and matching

• Most programs: 50% cost share, up to $1,000 per year per program.
• Backyard Conservation: 50% cost share, up to $500 per household per year.
• Cover Crop: $20 per acre up to 50 acres, not to exceed $1,000 per landowner.
• Pasture and Hay Weed Management (Spray): $20 per acre up to 50 acres, not to exceed $1,000 per landowner.
• Hoop Barn: 50% of receipts, not to exceed $2,500 reimbursement.
• High/Low Tunnel: 50% of receipts, not to exceed $1,000 reimbursement.

How to apply

The page says a number of programs require paid receipts, and some require the project to be completed before reimbursement is released. It also says the Hoop Barn and High/Low Tunnel programs are first come, first served. The district encourages photos of completed projects and notes that each program is subject to a spot check.

Timing and deadlines

The official page does not state a seasonal deadline, but it does say some programs are capped by annual limits or limited by the number of completed applications accepted.