ALBANY COUNTY EQIP PROGRAM

The Albany County Local Workgroup has identified the following natural resource concerns as the highest priorities:  

1. Rangeland Health
This priority of the Albany County Local Workgroup is in line with state and national priorities that include:  reduction of non-point source pollution and improvement to water quality.   Dependable water is essential in the proper management of rangelands and in developing a grazing system that meets all resource needs.  Applications for dependable water development will be given the highest priority.   

2. Irrigation Water Management
This local priority also supports resource needs identified at the state and national level.  Improved irrigation efficiencies are critical in dealing with water shortages.  Reduction of erosion in irrigation systems will be a high priority.  Irrigation systems and water delivery systems will be targeted for improvement.

3. Ground and Surface water quality affected by animal wastes
This local priority supports the national priority of reduction in non-point source pollution.  Applications for agricultural waste projects will be ranked and funded at the state level.  The Laramie Rivers Conservation District also supports this priority and has implemented a cost-share and technical assistance program.

4. Streambank/Riparian Projects

This local priority supports the national priority of reduction in nonpoint source pollution.  Projects that provide multiple benefits such as: improved fisheries habitat and improved riparian conditions will be a high priority.  Multiple non-federal funding sources will be encouraged.

5. Windbreak Planting/Renovation

There are concerns over tree species regeneration in riparian areas because of drought and insects.  These settings provide valuable wildlife habitat and important protection for wildlife.  The Local Workgroup supports windbreak planting/renovation as a high priority for Albany County .

Eligible Practices and Cost Share Rates:  All practices listed on the cost list will be eligible for cost share in Albany County .  The cost-share rate will be 60% for grazing land practices (except fencing – 50%), 50% for irrigation management practices, 75% for livestock waste projects, 75% for streambank/riparian projects, and 50% for windbreak projects.

Screening Tool:  A screening tool will be used to prioritize all applications as either high or low.  High applications will be ranked and funded according to the results of the ranking worksheets.  Low priority applications will not be eligible for cost-share.

Fund Pools:  Albany County EQIP funds will be allocated to the priority resources concerns as follows:

•     Rangeland Health – 40%

•     Irrigation Water Management – 20%

•     Streambank/Riparian – 20%

•     Livestock Windbreak – 20%

•     Livestock Waste – From Statewide Pool

The Local Work Group reserves the right to move funds between pools to fund applicants where money has been underutilized or additional funding is needed to approve an application.  

Click to view ranking worksheets:

These documents require Adobe Acrobat to view the material.

Albany County Screening Tool (PDF, 26 KB)

Albany County Grazing Land Management (PDF, 15 KB)

Albany County Irrigation Water Management (PDF, 16 KB)

Contact the local office