Landowners in three counties can apply for wildlife habitat protection funds
The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Colorado West Land Trust have announced a new conservation funding opportunity under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. This program supports farmers and landowners in protecting wildlife habitats and improving land health.
The funding is available to eligible producers located in parts of Delta Gunnison and Montrose counties in Colorado. Two types of assistance are offered under this opportunity including Land Management practices and Entity Held Easement programs. All applications must be submitted by 4 PM Mountain Standard Time on February 2 2026.
Under the Land Management option farmers must have updated farm records with the Farm Service Agency and must be located within the approved project area. The goal of this program is to restore wildlife habitat promote natural land processes and protect both aquatic and land ecosystems. The program also supports farmers who are already part of conservation easement or voluntary land protection programs.
Producers are encouraged to contact program representatives early to understand application requirements and ensure timely submission. Completed application packets must be submitted to the Delta Service Center by the deadline.
The Entity Held Easement option supports landowners who want to protect their farmland through conservation easements. Eligible land trusts and organizations can apply on behalf of landowners. Under this program USDA can provide up to fifty percent of the land’s appraised value to support permanent land protection while allowing landowners to continue farming.
Applicants must show strong conservation commitment proper staffing and the ability to manage easements long term. Applications may be submitted by email postal mail or courier service but must meet all documentation and timing requirements.
Only complete and properly submitted applications will be reviewed and ranked for funding consideration for fiscal year 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
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