County conservation update: 384 CRP contracts, EQIP payments and 600 tree seedlings distributed

An agency official briefed commissioners on conservation activity and outreach. For 2025 the office said it administered 30 Conservation Reserve Program contracts that paid $130,325 to Todd County producers and nine Environmental Quality Incentives Program contracts totaling $573,573. The official added that 2026 funding is now underway and that, in total, 384 active CRP contracts cover 5,209 acres in Todd County and that CRP rental payments run for 10 years.

The office said a tree seedling giveaway began April 7 and included sugar maple, roughleaf dogwood, eastern redbud, white pine and northern red oak; 600 seedlings were available. Staff described a recent art and writing banquet to recognize students who participated in conservation‑themed contests. The official encouraged landowners to contact the office for technical assistance and sign‑ups.

Commissioners asked about remaining seedlings and local creek cleanup projects; staff said meetings and coordination with local governments on Elk Creek and other watershed work will continue, and that a state representative would attend a May meeting to further discuss projects.