Conservation Excellence Grant Program

The Conservation Excellence Grant Program is administered by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission and is designed to support agricultural producers in implementing high-impact conservation practices. The program focuses on improving environmental outcomes, particularly in priority areas tied to the Chesapeake Bay Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan. Funding is distributed through local County Conservation Districts, which play a central role in reviewing applications, prioritizing projects, and administering awards. The program reflects Pennsylvania’s broader commitment to water quality improvement, nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial and technical support to farmers seeking to implement best management practices (BMPs) that reduce environmental impacts while maintaining agricultural productivity. Funding may be delivered through a combination of grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits. The grant component operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur eligible costs before receiving payment. Eligible projects typically include planning and design work, engineering services, construction or installation activities, equipment purchases, and post-construction inspections. Engineering and planning costs may be partially covered, and in some cases, conservation districts may provide these services directly. Funding amounts vary depending on project scope. Smaller projects under 25000 dollars may be funded entirely through grants, while larger projects may receive combined funding from grants and other financial mechanisms such as the Agri-Link loan program. The maximum grant funding available is 250000 dollars. In certain counties, cost-share arrangements may cover up to 75 percent of construction costs, with an additional percentage available for engineering and planning. Applicants are encouraged to leverage multiple funding sources, including private financing or complementary programs like REAP, to fully support project costs. Eligibility is primarily limited to agricultural producers operating within Pennsylvania. Applications are prioritized based on geographic location within designated watershed tiers, with Tier 1 counties such as Lancaster and York receiving the highest priority, followed by Tier 2 and Tier 3 counties. Additional evaluation criteria include the level of project planning completed, availability of technical assistance, and willingness to utilize diverse funding sources. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with required conservation plans, such as nutrient management plans or erosion and sediment control plans, when applicable. The application process requires submission of a completed Conservation Excellence Grant application form to the applicant’s local County Conservation District Office. Required components include a detailed project description, cost estimates, verification of conservation plans, maps or aerial imagery of the project site, and pre-construction photographs. Additional documentation may be required depending on project specifics, such as authorization forms or cooperative agreements. Applications are reviewed and scored based on location, project type, design quality, and funding strategy. There is no explicitly stated application deadline, suggesting that the program may operate on a rolling or continuous intake basis through local conservation districts. Applicants are advised to contact their local district office for specific submission timelines and guidance. Awards are determined by the State Conservation Commission in coordination with conservation districts, and funding decisions are based on established priorities and available resources. Questions and technical assistance are available through designated program contacts, including a Conservation Program Specialist who can provide guidance via email or phone.

Ensure application aligns with conservation district priorities and watershed tier location; provide complete documentation and strong project planning to improve scoring