The Hays County SWCD in conjunction with the NRCS - San Marcos USDA Service Center offer an array of programs and services offering landowners options for conservation of soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer practical, science-based solutions benefitting both the landowner and the environment.

The NRCS site provides a helpful guide of How to Get Started with NRCS.

Here is a sample of the technical and financial assistance programs and services available. Call the office at 512-392-4050 to learn more.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns while delivering environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment.

Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) is the help NRCS and its partners provide to address opportunities, concerns, and problems related to the use of natural resources and to help land users make sound natural resource management decisions on private, tribal, and other non-federal lands.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land.

The Historically Underserved Farmers & Ranchers programs and services includes provisions addressing the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers. The 2018 Farm Bill provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services.