The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) is pleased to announce the extension of cost-share funds to assist landowners affected by the wildfires that burned land in many regions of Kansas in 2026. This initiative now covers damage caused by wildfires including Ranger Road, Stevens, Tennis, Andrew Lane, Rawlins County, Gray Road, Salt, Arkansas River, 51, Meade County, Herman Ranch, Wolf Canyon, Lexington, Bouziden Ranch, Proffitt Lake and other eligible wildfire events in designated counties.

Secretary Beam has authorized an extension of the Kansas Wildfire Recovery Initiative that was originally developed by the Division of Conservation and recommended by the State Conservation Commission in early March due to significant wildfires affecting cattle grazing and other agricultural production. The initiative provides financial assistance for eligible landowners in Barber, Clark, Comanche, Finney, Meade, Rawlins, Seward, and Stevens and other eligible counties for best management practices including cover crops, temporary watering facilities and temporary electric fence. Landowners may receive up to $10,000 in cost-share funding through this initiative.

The signup period for these funds is open now and has been extended until June 30, 2026. Applications for this wildfire recovery cost share funding must be made through local Conservation Districts. Go to www.agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts to find contact information. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until all initiative funds have been allocated.

Projects that have been started but not completed prior to the landowners making application will be eligible for cost share assistance provided they keep receipts and follow KDA–DOC specifications (if necessary). Project eligibility does not guarantee approval by the KDA–DOC.

If you have questions on the Kansas Wildfire Cost Share Initiative, contact KDA–DOC staff: Dave Jones, David.Jones@ks.gov, 785-564-6623; or Madison Loder, Madison.Loder@ks.gov, 785-477-2788.   

###