What Is a Conservation District?
Under the Oklahoma Conservation District Act, a conservation district is a governmental subdivision of the state and a public body corporate and politic. The Act says districts exist to conserve renewable natural resources, meaning land, soil, water, vegetation and related resources, and to control soil erosion and floodwater and sediment damage. They serve as the primary local unit of government for resource conservation.
For a landowner, the practical point is that a district is a local office with a local board that decides how conservation money is used in your area.
Who Runs a District?
According to the Act, each district is governed by a five-member board of directors.
- Three directors are elected to staggered three-year terms running July 1 to June 30. Elected directors must be registered voters in the district and cooperators of the district.
- Two directors are appointed by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to two-year terms running July 1 to June 30.
- Elections are held each year on the first Tuesday in June to elect one director per district, and all registered voters in the district may vote. Candidates file declarations of candidacy with the Commission in the first two weeks of May.
- Pay. Directors are reimbursed for actual expenses and may receive a per diem of up to $50 per monthly board meeting, as set by the Commission.
What Districts Can Do
The Act summarizes district powers to include conducting surveys and investigations, carrying out conservation operations and works of improvement, entering cooperative agreements, developing long-range resource conservation programs and annual work plans, employing staff, and serving as local operating agencies for government projects. Districts may also accept funds and donations.
The Conservation Cost-Share Program
The most direct benefit for most landowners is the Conservation Cost-Share Program. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission describes it as a program established by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1998 and administered by the Commission, with local districts running it in their areas. It supports practices that improve water quality and control soil erosion.
Here is how the work is split:
- The Commission's Conservation Programs Division allocates funds to districts based on legislative appropriations.
- Each district chooses which practices from the state list to offer locally and sets its cost-share rates.
- Each district sets its own sign-up periods, reviews applications for eligibility and ranks them under a district-developed system.
- Selected landowners are notified and sign a performance agreement listing the approved practices and the cost-share amount.
- Districts help landowners throughout their participation.
Practices must be on the state list, offered by the district, and built to USDA NRCS specifications. NRCS provides free technical assistance, including help developing the conservation plan that landowners must have or request. Examples listed include brush management, water wells, pipelines, grass planting, cover crops, ponds and herbaceous weed control.
Program Year 28 Guidelines
The Commission's Program Year 28 guidelines give the current rules. They are state guidelines, and districts may set stricter local terms, so confirm details with your district.
| Item | Program Year 28 |
|---|---|
| Program year | March 9, 2026 to August 31, 2027 |
| Total funding | $3,000,000, with each conservation district allocated $35,475 |
| Maximum cost-share rate | 85 percent; districts may set a lower rate |
| Maximum payment per participant | $7,500; districts may set a lower limit |
| Applications per applicant | One, which can include multiple practices |
Applicants must be a conservation district cooperator with a conservation plan. Applicants who lease the land must submit a Landowner Consent form. Participation is voluntary, and districts must take action at a regular board meeting to participate.
How to Apply
- Watch for the sign-upThe district advertises the program, including the application period, maximum payment, cost-share rate, eligible practices and contact information.
- Submit one applicationTurn in a completed application to the district before the application period ends.
- Board rankingThe district ranks and approves applications at an official board meeting using its Commission-approved priorities and ranking system.
- Written noticeApplicants are notified in writing within 10 calendar days of board action. Denied applicants receive written reasons and appeal information.
- Sign the agreementApproved applicants sign a Performance and Maintenance Agreement and provide an IRS W-9. Work cannot begin until the district confirms funds are available.
- Claim paymentClaims require documentation, such as invoices or receipts. Payment goes to the district by EFT, and the district issues the check to the participant.
Districts must issue IRS Form 1099-MISC to participants receiving $600 or more in a calendar year. Commissioners, Commission staff, district employees and their spouses are not eligible.
Eligible Practices
The Program Year 28 list includes brush management, high tunnel system, conservation cover, livestock pipeline, cover crop, nutrient management, critical area planting, pasture and hay planting, diversion, pond, fence, prescribed burning, field border, prescribed grazing, filter strip, pumping plant, firebreak, range planting, grade stabilization structure, no-till, grassed waterway, terrace, heavy use area protection, water well, herbaceous weed control and watering facility. Your district offers only the practices its board chose.
Other Programs
The Commission's Land Management Division runs a cost-share program for removing invasive woody species, with Eastern Red Cedar, Saltcedar and Mesquite named as targets. Eligibility requires managing at least 20 contiguous acres for agriculture or wildlife, and land already under another brush management cost-share contract is not eligible for payment. The page listed 23 eligible districts and showed its application window, September 1 to November 1, 2026, as closed. Ask your district about future signups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my district?
Use the Conservation District Directory on the Commission website, or call the Oklahoma Conservation Commission at (405) 521-2384, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Do I need a conservation plan?
Yes, applicants must be a district cooperator with a conservation plan. NRCS provides free technical assistance, including help developing the plan.
Can I get 100 percent of costs covered?
Not under the PY28 state guidelines. The maximum cost-share rate is 85 percent, and districts may set a lower rate.
Can renters apply?
Applicants who lease the land must submit a Landowner Consent form.
Official Resources
- Oklahoma Conservation Commission - Cost-Share Program: how districts run the program and who to call
- Cost-Share Program Year 28 Guidelines (PDF): funding, eligibility and practices
- Conservation District Act (PDF): district governance and powers
- Land Management Division: invasive woody species cost-share
Oklahoma Listings Covered by This Guide
- Adair County Conservation District
Adair County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 468670 HWY 100, Stilwell. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Adair County.
468670 HWY 100, Stilwell, OK 74960 | 918-696-7612 - Alfalfa County Conservation District
Alfalfa County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 401 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite C, Cherokee. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Alfalfa County.
401 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite C, Cherokee, OK 73728 | 580-596-2883 - Arbuckle Conservation District
Arbuckle Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 2428 Autumn Run Road, Ste A, Ardmore. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Carter County.
2428 Autumn Run Road, Ste A, Ardmore, OK 73401 | 580-223-5865 - Atoka County Conservation District
Atoka County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 2867 S. Mississippi Avenue, Atoka. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Atoka County.
2867 S. Mississippi Avenue, Atoka, OK 74525 | 580-889-5615 - Beaver County Conservation District
Beaver County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 106 W. 1st St., Beaver. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Beaver County.
106 W. 1st St., Beaver, OK 73932 | 580-949-3340 - Blaine County Conservation District
Blaine County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 221 E. Main St., Watonga. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Blaine County.
221 E. Main St., Watonga, OK 73772 | 580-623-8501 - Bryan Conservation District
Bryan Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 200 Gerlach Dr. #A, Durant. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Bryan County.
200 Gerlach Dr. #A, Durant, OK 74701 | 580-924-5464 - Caney Valley Conservation District
Caney Valley Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1067 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Washington County.
1067 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918-331-9800 - Central North Canadian River Conservation District
Central North Canadian River Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 129 E. Main, Geary. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Canadian County.
129 E. Main, Geary, OK 73040 | 405-884-2383 - Checotah Conservation District
Checotah Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 845 N Main St, Eufaula. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around McIntosh County.
845 N Main St, Eufaula, OK 74432 | 918-805-2964 - Cherokee County Conservation District
Cherokee County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 918 W. Choctaw, Suite 2, Tahlequah. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Cherokee County.
918 W. Choctaw, Suite 2, Tahlequah, OK 74464 | 918-456-1924 - Cimarron County Conservation District
Cimarron County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 209 S. Cimarron Ste. C, Boise City. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Cimarron County.
209 S. Cimarron Ste. C, Boise City, OK 73933 | 580-544-3048 - Cleveland County Conservation District
Cleveland County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 2600 Van Buren, Suite 2604, Norman. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Cleveland County.
2600 Van Buren, Suite 2604, Norman, OK 73072 | 405-364-7319 - Coal County Conservation District
Coal County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 106 Post Ave., Coalgate. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Coal County.
106 Post Ave., Coalgate, OK 74538 | 580-927-2182 - Comanche County Conservation District
Comanche County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1606 NW Lawton Ave., Lawton. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Comanche County.
1606 NW Lawton Ave., Lawton, OK 73507 | 580-353-0532 - Cotton County Conservation District
Cotton County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 705 W. Missouri, Walters. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Cotton County.
705 W. Missouri, Walters, OK 73572 | 580-875-3395 - Craig County Conservation District
Craig County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 235 W. Hope Ave., Vinita. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Craig County.
235 W. Hope Ave., Vinita, OK 74301 | 918-256-7863 - Creek County Conservation District
Creek County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 203 South Elm, Bristow. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Creek County.
203 South Elm, Bristow, OK 74010 | 918-367-2113 - Custer County Conservation District
Custer County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1725 S. Highway 183, Ste 104, Clinton. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Custer County.
1725 S. Highway 183, Ste 104, Clinton, OK 73601 | 580-323-4875 - Deer Creek Conservation District
Deer Creek Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 300 South Broadway, Weatherford. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Custer County.
300 South Broadway, Weatherford, OK 73096 | 580-772-7670 - Delaware County Conservation District
Delaware County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 2749 W. Highway 20, Jay. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Delaware County.
2749 W. Highway 20, Jay, OK 74346 | 918-253-4513 - Dewey County Conservation District
Dewey County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 306 S. Broadway, Taloga. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Dewey County.
306 S. Broadway, Taloga, OK 73667 | 580-328-5366 - East Canadian County Conservation District
East Canadian County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1625 E. US Highway 66, El Reno. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Canadian County.
1625 E. US Highway 66, El Reno, OK 73036 | 405-262-1958 - Ellis County Conservation District
Ellis County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 155 E. Renfrow, Arnett. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Ellis County.
155 E. Renfrow, Arnett, OK 73832 | 580-885-7306 - Garfield County Conservation District
Garfield County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1216 W. Willow Road, Suite D, Enid. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Garfield County.
1216 W. Willow Road, Suite D, Enid, OK 73703 | 580-237-4321 - Garvin Conservation District
Garvin Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 301 S. Indian Meridian Rd., Pauls Valley. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Garvin County.
301 S. Indian Meridian Rd., Pauls Valley, OK 73075 | 405-238-6767 - Grady County Conservation District
Grady County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 828 W. Choctaw Ave., Chickasha. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Grady County.
828 W. Choctaw Ave., Chickasha, OK 73018 | 405-224-0523 - Grant County Conservation District
Grant County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 624 N. Highway 81, Medford. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Grant County.
624 N. Highway 81, Medford, OK 73759 | 580-395-2324 - Greer County Conservation District
Greer County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 21619 State Highway 34, Mangum. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Greer County.
21619 State Highway 34, Mangum, OK 73554 | 580-782-2787 - Harmon County Conservation District
Harmon County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 320 N. Main St., Hollis. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Harmon County.
320 N. Main St., Hollis, OK 73550 | 580-688-3674 - Harper County Conservation District
Harper County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at #2 Miles Addition, Buffalo. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Harper County.
#2 Miles Addition, Buffalo, OK 73834 | 580-735-2418 - Haskell County Conservation District
Haskell County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1005 West Main, Suite B, Stigler. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Haskell County.
1005 West Main, Suite B, Stigler, OK 74462 | 918-967-2488 - Hughes County Conservation District
Hughes County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 419 East Highway, Holdenville. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Hughes County.
419 East Highway, Holdenville, OK 74848 | 405-379-3221 - Jackson County Conservation District
Jackson County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 3100 N. Main, Suite A, Altus. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Jackson County.
3100 N. Main, Suite A, Altus, OK 73521 | 580-482-4312 - Jefferson County Conservation District
Jefferson County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1431 East G Avenue, Waurika. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Jefferson County.
1431 East G Avenue, Waurika, OK 73573 | 580-228-2760 - Johnston County Conservation District
Johnston County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1014 North Kemp, Tishomingo. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Johnston County.
1014 North Kemp, Tishomingo, OK 73460 | 580-371-3219 - Kay County Conservation District
Kay County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 5501 North Pleasant View Road, Newkirk. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Kay County.
5501 North Pleasant View Road, Newkirk, OK 74647 | 580-362-2438 - Kiamichi Conservation District
Kiamichi Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 2681 US Hwy 70, Hugo. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Choctaw County.
2681 US Hwy 70, Hugo, OK 74743 | 580-326-7331 - Kingfisher County Conservation District
Kingfisher County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 1600 South 13th, Kingfisher. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Kingfisher County.
1600 South 13th, Kingfisher, OK 73750 | 405-375-5373 - Kiowa County Conservation District
Kiowa County Conservation District is one of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's listed local districts, with its office at 802 W. 11th St., Hobart. It provides soil and water conservation help to landowners and producers in and around Kiowa County.
802 W. 11th St., Hobart, OK 73651 | 580-726-3786
Plus 45 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Oklahoma directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.