The Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Act, established in 1977, is administered by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The Act established the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Fund, providing state financial assistance to Nebraska landowners for the installation of approved soil and water conservation measures that improve water quality, conserve water, and help control erosion and sedimentation. This program is funded by the Nebraska Unicameral.

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for determining eligible practices and establishing operating procedures for the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP). DNR allocates funds among the state's 23 Natural Resources Districts and approves payments to landowners. Natural Resources Districts are responsible for administering the NSWCP program at the local level according to state rules and regulations. The USDA/NRCS provides technical assistance in planning and developing the approved conservation measures.

A number of practices are eligible for cost-share under NSWCP. Each practice listed below is eligible for 50% cost-share.

Practices the Upper Loup NRD provides cost share for includes:

Practice ID: Practice Name
Purpose

NC - 3: Constructing Water Impoundment Dams
To impound runoff, conserve water, prevent erosion, prevent pollution, and to enhance groundwater recharge

NC - 4: Constructing Grade Stabilization Structures
To stabilize the grade in an existing watercourse to prevent or heal gully situations

NC - 6: Constructing Diversions
To divert water from areas where it is in excess to sites where it can be used or disposed of safely

NC - 10: Pasture Planting or Range Seeding (land use conversions)
To establish grass on land being converted from other uses or the renovation of existing pasture or range

NC - 11: Critical Area Planting (grass)
To stabilize the soil, reduce damage from sediment and runoff to downstream areas

NC - 12: Windbreaks
To establish a stand of trees to conserve soil and moisture and to prevent erosion

NC - 14: Planned Grazing Systems
To reduce erosion and improve water quality by maintaining or improving plant cover for increased forage production, enhanced wildlife habitat, grazing uniformity and water use efficiency

NC - 16: Windbreak Renovation
To provide restoration of farmstead or field windbreaks that have been tendered substantially ineffective due to death of trees or other windbreak plantings as a result of weather, disease or other natural causes

NC - 17: Irrigation Water Management
To conserve groundwater and surface water by improving water use efficiency on irrigated lands

NC - 18: Stream Bank Stabilization
To restore and protect stream banks and riparian areas adjacent to minor water courses

NC - 20: Brush Management
To remove or reduce non-herbaceous plants. To restore natural plant community balance, create the desired plant community and reduce competition between desired and unwanted plants.