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LOCAL WORK GROUP MEETINGS �LIZ WITH ASTC-PARTNERSHIP�AMBER FREOUF ASTC-PROGRAMS�APRIL 7, 2026

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Local Working Groups FY25 Results

High Cut

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  • Feedback gained allowed for FY 26 Program development in
    • Setting State Priority Resource Concerns: Used in CSP for assessment and ranking purposes
    • Selecting high priority practices: Used in EQIP - State may designate up to 10 practices that address specific causes of water impairment related to excessive nutrients, mitigate declining aquifer and drought, have high potential for conservation benefit but are underutilized.
    • Selecting Source Water Protection Practices: Used in EQIP – State may identify practices that address water quality and quality concerns in high priority areas for the protection of source waters for drinking water
    • Setting CSP and EQIP ranking questions that reflect LWG feedback and concerns
    • Identify training needs and public outreach
  • Targeted Conservation Project Proposals
    • 7 proposals were received
      • Evaluated with NRCS team of technical reviewers
      • 4 selected for FY26 funding opportunities: Apps are currently going to preapprovals

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Local Working Groups

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  • Conservation District’s responsibility to host
    • Can be done in any meeting style (in person, virtual, hybrid)
    • Can be hosted with other districts and in conjunction with other meetings
    • Encouraged to invite producers, Agricultural Industry partners, stakeholders, ect
    • Resource Team Leads will host a meeting if the conservation district in unable to
  • Watershed Coordinators at Colorado State Conservation Board can help plan and facilitate, if District is interested
  • LWG feedback needed for Fiscal Year 2027 Program Development
    1. Conservation District information and feedback
    2. Targeted Conservation Proposals

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Local Working Groups

Targeted Conservation Projects

  1. Targeted Resource Approach.
  2. Developed Implementation Strategy.
  3. Clear Project Milestones and Benchmarks. (Implementation needs to be within a five-year project lifespan)
  4. Alignment with Local Priority Projects, Partners, and Long-Range Planning.

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OPEN COMMENT PERIOD

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Who has a success story they want to share?

How are districts planning to host FY26 meetings?

How have districts got participants to come to the meetings?

How else can NRCS support conservation districts with the meetings?

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THANK YOU

  • Liz with ASTC-Partnerships
  • Elizabeth.with@usda.gov
  • 970-765-1485

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  • Amber Freouf ASTC-Programs
  • Amber.Freouf@usda.gov
  • 719-336-3437 ext 4051

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