The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has funding for 11 states including South Dakota for those who want to sell a permanent conservation easement to the United States through the NRCS. South Dakota NRCS Easements Program Manager Brandon Kottke says interested landowners have until early October to apply.

He says funding through the Emergency Watersheds Protection program is determined based on an appraisal of the property. Kottke says this offers producers an option for getting some compensation for much of their land which may have been or is still flooding.

Kottke says the best way to apply is to call your county NRCS office for an appointment.

Kottke says producers can also apply on line. Again the deadline is October 9, 2020.