The Republican River Water Conservation District (RRWCD) met recently for their fourth quarterly board meeting.  During the meeting several items were discussed and approved, including the 2024 Budget, resolutions thanking retiring board members and the Colorado State Engineer, Kevin Rein.  Also approved were two new incentives to conservation programs offered by the RRWCD.

The RRWCD board of directors approved CREP or EQIP contracts signed after the date of the RRWCD Board meeting November 21, 2023, would have the availability to receive all payments upfront with a 10 percent discount, while appropriated funds are available.

All new CREP and EQIP conservation contracts throughout the basin are eligible for this opportunity. The landowner would receive a single payment for contracts instead of the five-to-fifteen-year payment schedule for each of the programs.  Producers must fill out the RRWCD payment schedule application form to be eligible for this opportunity. 

The Board also authorized increasing the payment rate of the RAMP program for applicants in the South Fork Focus Zone.  If a producer offers to reduce 50 percent or more of their acres irrigated by their well or commingled wells, the RRWCD will increase the payment from $2,750 to $3,250 per irrigated acre permanently retired.

If you have any questions or would like to apply for water conservation programs, please contact the RRWCD office at 970-332-3552 or at 970-630-3525.