Programs > Better Backyards > Landowner Incentive Program

Landowner Incentive Program

Cost-Share Funding Available for
Natural Resource Management Practices

KCD empowers land managers to be better stewards of natural resources. KCD’s Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) provides landowners with cost-share assistance to support implementation of conservation practices on private property. Landowner expenses associated with pre-approved conservation practices are matched with KCD cost-share funding at a ratio of 50% to 90% of the total cost of projects. Cost-share ratios vary by conservation practice (see “Eligible Practices” listed below).

Applications are accepted year-round on a monthly basis through November.

How to Apply

To apply, a cooperator MUST be already working with a KCD Resource Planner/Technical Assistance Provider. To request assistance, please fill out one of the following forms:

Rural Forest Stewardship

Agricultural/Farm

Rural Shoreline

Your KCD Resource Planner will create, submit the application for review and guide it throughout the entire process.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The project site must be located within KCD’s service area which encompasses all of King County and excludes parcels inside the city limits of Enumclaw, Milton, Federal Way, Skykomish and Pacific.
  • This program does not cost-share on best management practice implementation on publicly owned land.
  • If you are leasing on private property, the landowner must co-sign the terms of the agreement on the contract.

Application Information and Considerations

  • Landowners and managers within KCD’s service area may apply.*
  • Eligible practices must be included in a KCD-prepared farm conservation plan or other technical assistance plan and require advanced planning.
  • Maximum amounts apply to each eligible conservation practice.
  • Applicants may apply for only one practice at a time. (Exceptions apply)
  • Applicants will be notified of award within 15 business days of application deadline.
  • There will be no reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the award of cost-share.
  • In-kind labor and use of personally owned machinery are eligible for reimbursement.
  • Project expenses will be reimbursed upon verification of practice implementation.
  • Applicants are expected to maintain the project for the lifetime of each funded practice.
  • Maintenance documentation will include site visits by KCD staff and photo documentation by the landowner.
  • Expenses reimbursed by KCD’s Landowner Incentive Program are considered reportable income by the IRS.
  • Applications are prepared with support from your KCD Resource Planner. To initiate the process, contact your planner.

* Note: King Conservation District cost-sharing is available to all landowners within KCD service area boundaries, which includes all of King County except for the incorporated cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish.

Program Details

Amendment Forms

Completed Project Forms

All land managers in KCD’s service area are eligible to apply for cost-share funding, but the practice must be pre-approved and included in a Farm Conservation Plan or other technical assistance plan prepared by KCD resource conservation staff.

For all information regarding the program and previously awarded LIP cost-share contracts, contact Laura Redmond at 425-282-1908.

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