Conservation District Seeks Landowners for Mule Deer Habitat Projects

The Sumner County Conservation District is connecting private landowners with funding for on-the-ground conservation work aimed at protecting mule deer habitat across the Great Plains.

The Mule Deer Foundation has dedicated funding to assist landowners with projects including fencing infrastructure, grazing management and wildlife habitat improvements on working lands, according to a social media post from the conservation district.

Eligible activities include grazing infrastructure improvements such as water pipelines, tanks, troughs and cross fencing, as well as virtual fencing and wildlife-friendly fence installation. The funding also supports grazing management planning, wildlife habitat restoration, riparian protection and fence modifications to improve wildlife movement and habitat connectivity.

Projects targeting invasive species control and wildlife-focused water developments in arid or seasonal habitats also qualify for assistance.

The funding cannot be used to offset or reduce landowner cost-share requirements for other state, federal or local conservation programs. It is intended to help landowners move forward on projects that might otherwise be delayed due to financial constraints.

Casey Nordine, habitat partnership coordinator for the district, said identifying engaged landowners remains a challenge despite strong interest in conservation work.

"Identifying engaged landowners and shovel-ready projects where this funding can be effectively deployed" is essential to the program's success, Nordine said in the post.

The conservation district is particularly interested in connecting with landowners who have property in the state's mule deer range and may be interested in leveraging cost-share to expand conservation practices.

The district offers technical assistance, help with project development and collaborative work alongside conservation districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service staff and other partners.

For more information, contact Casey Nordine at casey@muledeer.org or visit muledeer.org. Additional information is available by calling 605-209-4804.