Conservation Services for Johnson County
Technical guidance and cost-share assistance to help you implement conservation practices on your land.
How We Help
Bring us your conservation questions and ideas — we’ll connect you to the person or program best suited to address your resource concerns and project goals.
We work with residents, farmers, ranchers, and landowners to improve soil health, protect water quality, and strengthen natural resources across Johnson County.
Technical
Assistance
What We Provide
- Conservation planning
- Practice design recommendations
- Resource concern evaluation
- Project coordination with partners
Planning, design, and construction inspections for cost-share projects are provided through our federal partners at NRCS as staffing allows.
Financial
Assistance
Cost Share Programs
We are the local source for state cost-share funding to help install best management practices that improve water quality and soil health.
We administer voluntary cost-share programs in partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation (DOC).
Kansas Cost-Share funds are not loans or grants — they are payments to landowners covering a portion of practice implementation costs.
How to Apply for Assistance
Who Can Apply?
- Farmers & Ranchers
- Landowners
- Residents with acreage
- Conservation-minded property owners
If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact us and we’ll help guide you.
Before You Apply
Before applying, please note:
- Practices must be approved before installation.
- Funding is limited and competitive.
- Projects must meet eligibility requirements.
- Technical approval may be required through NRCS.
How To Apply
- Complete the cost-share application form.
- Submit to the email or bring it to our office. info-conservation@jocogov.org
- Our team will review your application and contact you regarding next steps.
- If approved, project planning and implementation guidance will follow.
Why Cost Share Matters
Cost-share programs allow limited conservation funding to be used efficiently to protect and improve Kansas resources.
By partnering with landowners, we can:
- Improve water quality
- Enhance soil productivity
- Reduce erosion
- Support wildlife habitat
- Strengthen local agriculture
USDA-NRCS Services
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to support farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Getting started typically begins with a conservation plan to identify resource concerns and opportunities.
To learn more, contact your local NRCS field office or visit the USDA website for an overview of available programs. NRCS accepts applications year-round, and producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed application to their local field office.
For assistance connecting with the Johnson County NRCS office, contact us at
info-conservation@jocogov.org.
Understanding EQIP
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that helps agricultural producers improve natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, NRCS provides both technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices that reduce soil erosion, improve water and air quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.
Additional
Services
Discover additional services and programs that provide valuable resources for managing land, improving landscapes, and protecting natural resources.
Kansas Forest Service Tree Programs
The Kansas Forest Service is dedicated to serving Kansans, landowners, communities, and fire departments across the state. The agency provides essential support in forest conservation, wildfire risk management, and the sustainable use of natural resources to protect and enhance Kansas landscapes.
Johnson County Contain the Rain Program
Contain the Rain is a Johnson County cost-share program that helps residents install solutions like rain gardens, rain barrels, and native plants. These projects reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality, with up to 50% reimbursement available for eligible expenses.
K-State Extension Soil Testing
Soil testing measures pH and nutrient levels to help determine the right fertilizer or amendments for healthy plant growth. Johnson County residents can receive one free test per year, with results providing guidance to improve lawn and garden success while protecting the environment.
