Minnesota SWCD Conservation Contracts Program (State Cost-Share)

Minnesota's statutory (Minn. Stat. 103C.501) cost-share for landowners installing erosion control, sedimentation control or water-quality practices, funded by BWSR and delivered by each of the ~90 SWCDs through their own local sign-up. Renamed/replaced by the Conservation Contracts Program from FY24, with BWSR still publishing biennial allocations to districts. Farmers apply at their county SWCD. Landowners apply through their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), which submits the package to BWSR.

Land occupiers (owners/operators) in Minnesota requesting assistance from their local SWCD for erosion control, sedimentation control, or water quality improvement practices designed to protect and improve soil and water resources.

Cost-share percentage and caps set by SWCD within BWSR policy; practices must meet NRCS/BWSR standards; maintenance period per contract.

Published amounts: Rates set per SWCD under the FY22 Erosion Control and Water Management Program Policy ('Reference the policy for project-specific requirements for non-state share').

Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (https://www.maswcd.org/find-your-swcd); each district runs its own cost-share sign-up and contracts under BWSR policy.

Deadline text on the page: Cost Share funds are dispersed annually to Soil and Water Conservation Districts as part of the executed SWCD Program and Operations grant agreement. FY 2026 & 2027 Conservation Delivery & Conservation Contracts Program allocations posted June 3, 2026 on /swcd-grants.