Scott County Conservation Partnership
Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Working lands for resilient communities
Ducks Unlimited, in partnership with Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Iowa State University, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Trust in Food, and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, is providing targeted technical and financial assistance to landowners in Scott County, Iowa.
This program offers streamlined enrollment, expert guidance, and additional financial support for producers looking to implement conservation practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality, and restore wildlife habitat.
Why Choose DU?
Our program provides technical and financial support for implementing in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices that help reduce runoff, enhance biodiversity and support sustainable farming, such as:
- Wetland restoration
- Riparian forest buffers
- Cover crops
- Nutrient management (no-till)
- Wetland and upland wildlife habitat enhancements
- Filter strip and field buffers (native species)
- Bioreactors and saturated buffer
Why Scott County, Iowa?
Scott County is a prime location for conservation efforts due to its extensive watershed restoration opportunities, agricultural land use and water quality challenges. Our partnership will bring financial resources to landowners voluntarily enrolling in conservation practices that:
- Improve flood conditions
- Enhance water quality
- Support wildlife habitat
- Strengthen soil health
Additionally, Iowa State University faculty and students will monitor water quality changes to measure the impact of conservation practices and provide valuable insights for future improvements.
Improve Soil Health
Cover crops boost organic matter, enhance nutrient cycling, and create healthier, more productive soils over time.
Reduce Erosion & Runoff
Deep root systems stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and filter nutrients to improve water quality in nearby streams and rivers.
Increase Water Retention
Healthy soils store more moisture, reducing the risk of drought stress and improving overall crop resilience.
Enhance Weed & Pest Control
Cover crops naturally suppress weeds and disrupt pest cycles, minimizing the need for herbicides and pesticides.
Provide Added Farm Value
Certain cover crops offer grazing opportunities, improve forage quality, and may unlock financial incentives for producers.
How It Works
Interested in enrolling? Here’s the process:
1. Connect with an Advisor → Connect with a Ducks Unlimited representative and they will get you started with the process.
2. Discuss Eligibility & Practices → A conservation expert will discuss your eligibility and recommend suitable practices.
3. Complete Your Application → Complete an application for the practices you want to implement on your land.
4. Evaluation & Selection → Applications are evaluated and selected based on conservation priorities.
5. Enter a Contract → If you are selected for funding, you will sign a contract, and a technical assistance advisor will help you complete the practice.
6. Implement Practices → A technical assistance advisor will walk you through the process of getting your practices implemented and completed.
7. Project Completion → Once the project is completed, you will submit invoices, and a technical assistance advisor will visit the site to confirm that practices were completed as designed. Payment will be issued after site visit.
Partnership Goals
- Expand Conservation Practices — Improve land health and water efficiency.
- Support Producer Goals — Provide technical and financial assistance for sustainable on-farm practices
- Track Program Success — Monitor program outcomes to increase knowledge and understanding of how conservation practices influence and impact each other
Why Work With DU?
Since 1937, DU has partnered with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to create solutions that make agriculture stronger and more sustainable. We understand that every operation is unique, which is why we tailor our conservation plans to fit you needs—not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Through partnerships with Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Iowa State University, Trust in Food, Field to Market, and Natural Resource Conservation Service, we provide:
- Reliable financial incentives to help cover your costs.
- Proven strategies that improve land and water health.
- Data-backed support to track progress and optimize results.
We aren’t here to tell you how to run your farm—we’re here to help you make the most of your land.
Eligibility & Enrollment
Who is Eligible?
- Landowners in Scott County, IA
- Acres not currently enrolled in other state or federal programs
- Farm records established at the Scott County Farm Service Agency Office
Ready to get started?
Contact Holly Shutt, private lands biologist hshutt@ducks.org or call (785) 294-2004
