Cost Share

Our staff demystifies the process of receiving state and federal funding to improve your natural resource management. We share our know how and technical expertise throughout your project, from application to implementation.

State Financial Assistance

The Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) provides cost share assistance to implement best management practices through competitive funding programs. We help administer local reimbursements of up to 75% for historically underserved applicants and 50% for others.

Working with our Planners to submit the required materials, your project may be considered for funding if it meets the following eligibility requirements:

Your project will create a demonstrated improvement in natural resource management
You own the land or, if you are a lessee, the landowner is willing to co-sign a contract
You have confirmed your project meets all legal and permitting requirements of local, state, and federal agencies
For work to be completed by a contractor, you must submit at least one written bid
For work to be completed yourself, you must submit a project plan with estimates of permitting costs, materials costs, labor hours, and equipment type and usage
You have not terminated or failed to complete a prior WSCC contract
You can complete work within the funding term (typically 2 years, depending on contract approval)
You agree to maintain the project to NRCS standards for its designated lifetime

Funding is available in two year legislative sessions. Our next biennium begins July 2025.

Download our Fact Sheet for more Details

Eligible Costs

Licensed and verified contractor charges
Materials purchased (excluding tools and equipment) and equipment rental
Employee labor costs as properly documented
Applicant’s own labor and labor provided at no monetary cost (family and friends), valued at $22 per hour, or the established minimum wage for persons younger than 17
Use of applicant’s own equipment is valued according to the most current USDA Farm Service Agency Equipment and Implements Rates List.

Other Considerations

You will work with our Planners to complete our conservation planning process
Work cannot begin prior to contract signing and Cultural Resource Compliance (typically two months after contract signing)
WSCC Cost Share award limit is $100,000 per applicant per fiscal year
Your total financial assistance from all sources (i.e. grants, federal) shall not exceed 100% of the total project costs
Reimbursement payments are made after final inspection of the practice completion. Partial payments may be possible for once an individual practice is completed, if the rest will be complete within 6 months.
Projects on public land are eligible for 50% reimbursement with approval by WSCC

USDA Financial Assistance

Agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers are eligible for federal financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or conservation practices. Using these practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat, all while improving agricultural operations.

IDENTIFY YOUR CONSERVATION CONCERNS

The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) calls these issues resource concerns and uses the categories soil, water, air, animals, plants, and energy/human. For example, we can look at ways to address the amount of soil lost; mitigate the impact of excess water; reduce the contribution of agricultural operations to airborne soil particles and greenhouse gas emissions; improve the cover, food, and water available for domestic and wildlife species; or promote energy efficiencies for on-farm activities.

Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations. We can help you apply for assistance through two NRCS cost-share programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). EQIP is generally a good entry point for producers, while CSP provides ongoing support for those who have already invested in conservation on their land. Learn more about common myths about working with NRCS.

We partner with NRCS to streamline access to technical and financial support for Whidbey’s farmers. USDA's Census of Agriculture shows that Island County has one of the largest percentages of historically underserved producers when compared to surrounding counties - 91% small, 52% women owned, 31% beginning, 10% veteran, 8% young, and 6% BIPOC. These producers are eligible for higher rates of financial assistance. We'll help you navigate the process.

Download our Fact Sheet for more Details

EQIP

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is a voluntary payment rate program that helps producers make conservation work for them. Participants implement conservation practices and activities and NRCS provides reimbursement payments and technical assistance through a contractual agreement. These resource conservation techniques can include: improving irrigation efficiency, restoring pasture, installing season extension high tunnels, improving nutrient management, and much more!

Is EQIP Right for Me?

Download our Fact Sheet for more details

CSP

The Conservation Stewardship Program helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, chances are CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals with conservation activities called enhancements.

CSP Info Session Recording
CSP program information packet

How do I Apply?

Pro Tip! Think at least 1 year in advance

Applications are accepted year round, but NRCS ranks applicants each fall. Typically there is a submission deadline in October or November for consideration.

Application Download

Request Assistance to set-up a consultation

Highly Erodible Lands & Wetlands Considerations

Locate your USDA Contact Information