The Natural Resources Conservation Service has made $217.5 million available in 11 states including South Dakota to help producers place conservation easements on certain lands damaged by flooding and other natural disasters. South Dakota NRCS Easements Program Manager Brandon Kottke says the funding is through the emergency watershed protection program.
He says the application deadline is October 31 and they have three options available under the program.
Kottke says when producers stop in to apply for the emergency watershed protection program they can also find out about other programs that are available for them to consider.
Kottke says compensation on the flooded easement program is based on the value of the easement as determined by an appraisal or market analysis. Those easements may occur on public or private agricultural land or residential properties.
