Cost-Share Programs for Landowners
Owning and managing your own private land can be rewarding, but it can also be expensive. Landowners that choose to manage their property for wildlife habitat, timber production, and/or agriculture understand that the costs of materials, equipment, and labor can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are several different cost-share programs available to help landowners recoup some or all of these expenses while improving the overall health and productivity of their land. There are several different options, ranging from specific, individual activities to long-term contracts that cover a wide array of conservation practices.
What Are Cost-Share Programs?
Cost-share programs provide financial assistance to landowners who implement approved conservation or land management practices. These programs are typically offered by federal and state agencies, conservation districts, or non-profit conservation organizations. Landowners identify goals for their property, decide the acreage and locations suitable for certain enhancements, and create a timeline in which these practices can be completed.
Rather than providing a full grant, cost-share programs reimburse a portion—sometimes 50 to 90 percent—of the cost of a project once it’s completed and verified. These enhancements are identified, applied, and documented by professional wildlife biologists, foresters, and technical service providers. Proper documentation is often the most overlooked yet crucial part of participating in these programs.
Key Points
- Financial help for conservation work
- Reimbursement-based
- Federal, state, and local options
- Professional documentation required
Common Types of Eligible Projects
Soil & Water Conservation
Installing erosion control structures, cover crops, or buffer strips.
Forestry
Tree planting, thinning, reforestation, and removal of invasive species such as privet, kudzu, and cogongrass.
Wildlife Habitat
Pollinator plots, prescribed fire rotations, bat roosting areas, and native grass planting.
Agricultural BMPs
Irrigation upgrades, stream protection fencing, manure management.
These practices not only benefit the environment but also improve productivity, increase property value, and enhance long-term land resilience. Many of these practices are already being implemented by landowners in an effort to maximize wildlife habitat and timber growth.
Alabama is 93% privately owned—this means that private landowners hold the key to large-scale habitat improvement for our native wildlife and forests.
Popular Programs for Landowners
NRCS EQIP
A federal program supporting conservation practices. Reimbursed per enhancement with timely payment once documentation is submitted.
CSP
Long-term conservation contracts offering up to $200,000 over five years. Harder to enter due to limited availability.
State & Local Programs
State forestry/wildlife agencies and conservation districts offer additional funding or technical support.
How to Get Started
- Contact Your Local Conservation Office: Your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or Conservation District office can explain which programs you qualify for.
- Develop a Conservation Plan: Most programs will require a plan that outlines your goals and proposed practices. Contact your trusted Tutt Land Company agent who can point you in the right direction for bringing in a professional wildlife biologist or registered forester to evaluate your property and identify conservation practices that fit your unique property. TLC has several agents on staff who are also professionals in wildlife management and forestry planning for landowners.
- Apply and Complete the Work: Once approved, you can begin work following program guidelines. These enhancements have specific guidelines to consider the activity complete. Make sure that whoever is chosen to implement this work is familiar with the specific requirements set forth by the awarding agency, otherwise reimbursements may be withheld. Reimbursement is provided after documentation, inspection, and verification.
A Win-Win Investment
Cost-share programs are a win-win for both landowners and the environment. They make conservation projects financially feasible while helping protect soil, water, wildlife, and future productivity. By taking advantage of these opportunities, landowners can make meaningful improvements that benefit both their property and the overall landscape.
