Landowners, who have property adjacent to Marion Reservoir and in the Upper Cottonwood River watershed, can apply for financial assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture to improve water quality and wildlife habitat and plant trees on those acres. Eligible landowners can receive a cost share of up to 90 percent.

Primary resource concerns are water quality degradation from soil erosion and the health and condition of trees in woodlands and forests. If a resource concern is identified, forestland, cropland, and grassland all have the potential to qualify for the funding.

Applications to apply for funding are accepted continuously at Marion County Natural Resources Conservation Service office in the USDA Service Center, 303 Eisenhower Drive, Marion.

NRCS will refer applicants to a Kansas Forest Service District forester, who will visit the property and develop a management plan to guide the project.

A listing of the practices and payment rates and additional program information are availableby calling or emailing the local NRCS Office or WRAPS coordinator Peggy Blackman.