Cost Share Programs
Clark CD is always looking for ways to support residents in conservation efforts. If you have a project idea, reach out to us—we’d love to hear about it and help determine funding options!
Even if funding is not immediately available, Clark CD may be able to apply for grants to support your project in the future. However, this process can take 1-3 years, so starting with a plan now can improve your chances of receiving funding when opportunities arise.
Clark CD provides cost share assistance to help residents, landowners, and producers in Clark County implement conservation practices that improve land health and productivity. Cost share funding is 100% grant-funded, meaning opportunities depend on continued funding availability.
Clark CD aims to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, depending on funding available and the grant source. Accurate bids are essential for determining funding levels.
If you’re interested in learning more about the cost share application process, please see our Cost Share Program Process Flyer.
If you have question about the program or want to apply for assistance, please reach out to our team:
staff@clarkcd.org
360-859-4780, ext 6
You can also contact us using our Request for Assistance Form:
Planning Comes First
Before applying for cost share assistance, you must work with a Clark CD Planner to develop a conservation plan that addresses natural resource concerns on your property. A plan is required before funding assistance can be considered.
If funding is not currently available for your project, Clark CD may be able to apply for grants to support it in the future. However, securing new funding can take 1-3 years, so early planning is key.
Funding Sources
Clark CD administers cost share funding from both state and federal grants, including:
The Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC), which provides funding on a two-year biennium cycle, on odd-numbered years in July (e.g. July 2025).
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) through federal grant programs, including one dedicated to livestock land management activities such as waste storage facilities, heavy use area protection, riparian forest buffers, pollinator hedgerows, fencing, and more!
Manure Storage Facility
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for cost share assistance, applicants must:
✔ Own or lease land in Clark County.
✔ Work with a Clark CD Planner to identify resource concerns* and develop a plan.
✔ Demonstrate that the project will improve natural resource management.
✔ Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
✔ If you are using a contractor, you must submit at least one written bid.
✔ Complete the project within the funding term, typically 2 years, or within a timeline aligned with the specific grant source’s schedule.
✔ Maintain the project to the planned standards for its designated lifespan.
✔ Not have failed or terminated a previous WSCC or Clark CD cost share contract.
*A resource concern is a decline in the quality of soil, water, air, plants, or animals to the point where their sustainability or intended use is negatively affected, such as excessive mud, poor pasture health, erosion, and more.
State Cost Share Program
The Washington State Conservation Commission offers cost share assistance through the following programs:
Natural Resource Investments (NRI) – Supports farm-friendly best management practices (BMPs) that improve water quality, habitat, and land sustainability.
NRI funding is used to cover a portion of best management practices (BMPs) costs to incentivize managers to implement them on their properties. BMPs advance progress toward natural resource objectives, such as improved water quality and habitat, and are farm-friendly. NRI funding is utilized statewide to fit a wide array of local resource concerns that conservation districts have prioritized. The flexibility of NRI funds makes it well-suited for success.
Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF) – Funds temporary fencing, pasture seed reimbursement, and prescribed grazing plans.
SFF is a grant program that makes it easier and more affordable for farmers and ranchers to implement more climate-smart practices and projects that increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Riparian Grant Program (RGP) – Provides up to 200 free native trees for riparian planting projects.
RGP provides funding for projects to restore and protect riparian habitat, the management zone along the edge of water bodies. Riparian habitat restoration and protection projects are crucial for restoring healthy ecosystems and conserving biodiversity.
Forest Health & Community Wildfire Resiliency (FH&CWR) – Currently funds home ignition zone assessments (HIZA) and chipping programs to reduce flammable materials. Future rounds may include home-hardening assistance.
Conservation districts are essential local providers of forest health and community wildfire resiliency resources for property owners and managers across our diverse state. This work supports priority actions identified in the Department of Natural Resource’s (DNR) statewide 10-Year Wildland Fire Strategic Plan and 20-Year Forest Health Plan. WSCC and conservation districts partner closely with DNR to help broaden the capacity, services offered, and pathways for doing this work. This collaboration is essential to increasing the pace, scale, and effectiveness of forest health improvements and community wildfire resilience work statewide.
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) - This funding can support septic system replacements and inspections. This funding can also support livestock best management practices with cost-share assistance up to 100% of the total cost of the project. Examples include, waste storage facilities, heavy use area protection, gutters and downspouts, fencing, riparian forest buffers, and more.
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program or RCPP is a Farm Bill program that awards federal funding to projects where multiple partners invest in cooperative action to solve natural resource issues in targeted areas. Grant awards require match, and the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) has been designated to pass-through state capital matching funds for successful RCPP recipients.
Temporary Fencing
Heavy Use Area Protection, Watering Facility, and Cross Fencing for Prescribed Grazing
Gutters and Downspouts
Federal Cost Share Program
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) supports livestock best management practices:
Examples of funded livestock best management practices include waste storage facilities, heavy-use area protection, gutters, fencing, and riparian buffers.
Cost share assistance can be up to 100% of project costs.
More details available at NRCS-RCPP.
Additional Federal Programs
Clark CD can also assist landowners and producers with planning applications for the following NRCS programs:
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – Provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, and enhance habitat.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) – Helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation efforts while adopting new conservation practices.
If you're interested in applying for EQIP or CSP, Clark CD can provide guidance to help develop a strong application and ensure projects align with conservation priorities.
Current Funding Opportunities
WSCC - Regional Conservation Partnership Program (WSCC-RCPP)
Funds septic system repairs and replacements.
Interested in a septic cost-share? Fill out the program sign-up form for additional information.
Covers up to 100% of livestock BMPs.
NRCS - Regional Conservation Partnership Program (NRCS-RCPP)
Supports livestock BMPs up to 100% of project costs.
WSCC - Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF)
Provides funding for temporary fencing, pasture seed reimbursement, and prescribed grazing plans.
WSCC - Natural Resource Investments (NRI)
Funds BMPs that improve water quality, habitat, and sustainability.
WSCC - Forest Health & Community Wildfire Resiliency (FH&CWR)
Offers HIZA assessments and chipping programs to reduce wildfire risks.
WSCC - Riparian Grant Program (RGP)
Supports riparian habitat restoration and protection and Provides up to 200 free native trees for small-scale riparian restoration.
Heavy-Use Area Protection
Exclusion Fencing and Riparian Forest Buffer
Pollinator Hedgerow