Ducks Unlimited Playa Wetland Initiative Program
Private landowners can receive technical, financial, and engineering assistance for playa conservation through Ducks Unlimited’s Playa Wetland Initiative program. On-site consultations are available to discuss restoration options, project design and delivery, and cost-share opportunities. Ducks Unlimited can provide funds, along with enrollment in other programs (including EQIP, WRE, CRP and Habitat First) to fill pits, remove sediment, plant buffers, provide fencing and alternative water sources for livestock, cut trees, remove and manage invasive plants, and other restoration activities. Conservation easements are also available through Ducks Unlimited. Applications will be competitively ranked against other proposals based on available funds and conservation benefits.
CONTACT: Abe Lollar, Ducks Unlimited, 806.475.1308
Groundwater Recharge & Sustainability Project
The Groundwater Recharge and Sustainability Project (GRASP) was designed to support Wichita and Greeley Counties in addressing declining aquifer levels. NRCS is investing $1.4 million in the project with an additional $1.5 million coming from partner contributions. Through the USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), NRCS and other regional partners coordinate resources to help agricultural producers engage in and maintain conservation activities in targeted areas, focusing on the following voluntary activities: irrigation conservation and efficiency, water retirement, conversion to dryland cropping, and playa restoration.
CONTACT: Titus Jaeger, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, 620-272-2828 or Abe Lollar, Ducks Unlimited, 806.475.1308
Kansas Water Resources Cost-Share Program
The Water Resources Cost-Share Program (WRCSP) provides financial assistance to landowners for the establishment of conservation practices that reduce soil erosion, improve or protect water quality, and enhance water supplies. While the Division Of Conservation (DOC) develops regulations, policy, and procedures to guide program implementation, each county conservation district administers the program at the local level with implementation assistance from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
CONTACT: Find your local conservation district (click on map to view information for your county)
KDWP Habitat First
Private landowners can receive technical assistance for playa conservation through the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) Habitat First program. Technical assistance may include recommendations on habitat improvement, cover types, and food establishment for all species of wildlife. Additionally, there are several state and federal wildlife programs that can provide financial assistance for improving wildlife habitat. This program is suited for those with a small playa that needs a native grass and forb buffer. Habitat First can cover up to 75% of the establishment costs. Landowners receive a one-time payment and the acres are not enrolled in a multi-year contract. KDWP biologists also coordinate public hunting access programs, which may be used in conjunction with some conservation practices.
CONTACT: Find a KDWP Biologist in your area
USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides eligible landowners with technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns on their land by implementing conservation plans. Healthy playas help support national EQIP goals and landscape initiatives by improving water quality, conserving groundwater resources, and providing important wildlife habitat. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, NRCS establishes submission deadline dates for consideration in upcoming evaluation periods, which is typically in December for New Mexico. The following EQIP practices can help farmers and ranchers restore or enhance playas by removing excess sediment, planting grass buffers, restoring hydrology through filling pits and trenches, and improving vegetation with prescribed grazing, alternative water development, and access control. Talk to your local Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist to learn how EQIP can be used to meet your individual goals for your playa.
- Remove Sediment: (657) Wetland Restoration
- Improve Vegetation: (657) Wetland Restoration, (528) Prescribed Grazing, (614) Watering Facility, (550) Range Planting, (340) Cover Crop, (382) Fence, (472) Access Control, or (516) Livestock Pipeline
- Plant Buffers: (393) Filter Strip, (550) Range Planting, or (340) Cover Crop
- Restore Hydrology: (657) Wetland Restoration, (342) Critical Area Seeding, (412) Grassed Waterway, or (643) Rare and Declining Habitats
CONTACT: NRCS District Conservationist for your county
USDA Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP)
There are three CCRP practices that apply to playas. This program differs from the general CRP program in that applicants can enroll their acres at any time. Under CCRP, there are national initiatives as well as state and regional initiatives that address high-priority wildlife objectives. CCRP is administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency.
CP23A – Wetland Restoration
This program is for wetlands not in the 100-year floodplain, including playas, that have been converted to agricultural uses. Offers are automatically accepted, provided the land and producer meet certain eligibility requirements and the enrollment levels do not exceed the statutory cap. No wetland determination is required. Upland acres around the playa can also be included as a buffer for soil erosion protection and water quality enhancement, as well as habitat for a variety of wildlife, especially waterfowl, upland game birds, and songbirds. An upland buffer with a maximum 4:1 ratio may be enrolled. For instance, the maximum 4:1 ratio can be used to help square up the remaining crop field around playas that are 20 acres or less. There is a sign-up incentive of $180 per acre and a 20% incentive payment over the average soil rental rate. Mid-contract management practices to keep the cover healthy are required. Enrolled playas are not eligible for managed haying and grazing.
CP 27/28 – Farmable Wetlands and Buffers
This program is for wetlands not in the 100-year floodplain, including playas, that are 10 acres or less and have been converted to agricultural uses. Offers are automatically accepted, provided the land and producer meet certain eligibility requirements and the enrollment levels do not exceed the statutory cap. A jurisdictional wetland determination is required. To protect water quality and provide wildlife habitat, the associated upland buffer (of 30-150 ft. or up to three times the wetland acres) must also be enrolled. For playas, a maximum of 50 acres may be enrolled. There is a sign-up incentive of $180 per acre and a 20% incentive payment over the weighted average soil rental rate. Mid-contract management practices to keep the cover healthy will be required.
CP 38B – Migratory Birds, Butterflies and Pollinators Habitat SAFE
This program uses a competitive bid process with offers ranked and accepted periodically. Landowners submit an offer to enroll their playa acres into the program for an amount they are willing to accept as an annual payment and contracts are for periods of 10 to 15 years. As part of enrollment, the playa hydrology must be restored to the maximum extent possible, as determined by NRCS. Additional incentives may be available for signing up and for cost-share associated with restoration activities. Offers should be somewhere between the NASS county-level dryland and irrigated cropland rental rates and are only eligible on playas with designated areas. Learn more about the program and how to create a competitive bid.
CONTACT: FSA County Executive Director for your county
USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Conservation Reserve Program pays a yearly rental payment in exchange for farmers removing environmentally sensitive land, including playas, from agricultural production and planting a native grass and forb mix. The long-term goal of the program is to re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and develop wildlife habitat. Enrolling in CRP may be a good option for landowners who have fields that contain multiple playas or a large number of wetland acres. This program is only available during times of open enrollment. Contracts are between 10 and 15 years, with the annual rental payment based on soil types. CRP is administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency.
CONTACT: FSA County Executive Director for your county
Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) through the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
Through the most recent farm bill, the federal government has allocated millions of dollars for Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) which conserve wetlands, including playas, for 30 years or in perpetuity. These easements eliminate the threat of development to enrolled acres. Land eligible for wetland reserve easements includes farmed or converted playas that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. Applications are prioritized based on the potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The enrollment process includes a wetland reserve restoration easement plan to restore, protect, and enhance the playa’s functions and values. Grazing is not allowed unless a grazing plan approved by NRCS is followed. Landowners may apply at any time through their local USDA Service Center.
Permanent Easements – Permanent easements are conservation easements in perpetuity. The landowner receives 100% of the easement value for the purchase of the easement and 75-100% of the restoration costs.
30-year Easements – These easements expire after 30 years. Under 30-year easements, the landowner receives 50-75% of the easement value for the purchase of the easement and between 50-75% of the restoration costs.
For wetland reserve easements, all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance are paid by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. In New Mexico the easement value is determined as 90% of the appraised market value, but landowner donations are accepted and in some cases a $5,000 per acre cap applies.
CONTACT: NRCS District Conservationist for your county or Abe Lollar, Ducks Unlimited, 806.475.1308
USFWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is a voluntary partnership program that provides technical and financial assistance to help landowners conserve and improve wildlife habitat. The program helps bring landowners and other partners together on restoration projects to benefit from their expertise. Projects are customized to meet landowners’ needs. Private landowners generally provide 25 percent or more of the cost-share funding and/or in-kind services (labor, maintenance, and materials). One-to-one cost share often is achieved by partnering with a host of nationally based and local partners with wildlife habitat funding programs and technical expertise.
CONTACT: Michael Disney, Kansas State Coordinator, 785-539-3474 Ext 107
