Cost Share Programs

Cost Share Programs to Benefit Soil Health and Water Quality

Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) has funding available to landowners and farmers for a variety of projects.  The projects must prevent erosion, enhance soil health or protect the water quality of our lakes and streams.  Contact the LWCD to get started on one of the programs below.
Contracts must be signed prior to performing any work.

Conservation Practices Cost-Sharing (funded through Department of Agriculture)

  • Variety of conservation practices covered including closure of unused wells, barnyard runoff control systems, grassed waterways, closure of unused manure storage, nutrient management plans, and shoreline erosion control
  • Cost-share rates vary depending on the practices: most are 70%, some are 50%, and some are a flat rate
  • Funding is limited and projects are ranked according to several factors

Jefferson County Cover Crop Program in collaboration with Jefferson County Soil Builders

  • $40/acre or maximum of 40 acres for planting multi species cover crops after small grain harvest
  • $25/acre of crop ground planted to cover crops; maximum 150 acres/year
  • 4 nonconsecutive years of eligibility
  • Optional 2 field visits with a crop-crop mentor
  • Funding is limited and projects are ranked according to several factors

Jefferson County Pasture Establishment Program

  • $220/acre
  • Convert cropped land to pasture
  • Maximum 40 acres which can be split over multiple years and contracts
  • Funding is limited and projects are ranked according to several factors

Health Lakes and Rivers Program (funded through Department of Natural Resources)

  • Eligible on properties within 1,000 feet of lakes and 300 feet of rivers/streams
  • Projects: native plant gardens adjacent to water, rain gardens, diversions to direct water runoff from being discharged to waterways, rock trenches to infiltrate water from impervious surfaces, and upland trees placed in lakes to provide fish and wildlife habitat
  • Reimbursement of 75% of the total costs up to $1,000
  • Interested landowners should contact the LWCD by the end of August to be included in the grant application for project installation in the following year

Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department
311 S Center Avenue, Jefferson, WI
920-674-7121