The District Conservation Technician Program (DCT) in Colorado is a partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB), and local conservation districts. It provides technical assistance to private landowners for conservation planning and implementation.

In 2024, through a Farm Bill agreement between NRCS and the state agency (Colorado Department of Agriculture/CSCB) the program awarded over $2.6 million, funding 39 technician positions across 32 districts. Districts are responsible for hiring, payroll, insurance, reporting, publicity, and contributing 20% of the funding. NRCS provides 75% of funding, training, and vehicle use. The CSCB provides 5% of funding and support. Success stories highlight the program’s positive impact on conservation efforts and collaboration in Colorado.

The DTC program not only provides technical assistance but also leverages local dollars, maximizing the impact of federal and state funding. This collaboration between federal, state and local entities with the emphasis on locally-led conservation ensures that conservation efforts are tailored to the unique needs of Colorado’s diverse landscapes and communities. Furthermore, the program creates rural jobs, supporting local economies while promoting sustainable land management practices. 

“Colorado’s DCT program is crucial in providing landowners with technical assistance,” said Nikki Brinson, Program Manager for the CSCB. “The program enables districts to build relationships with producers and connect them to resources from various agencies, including NRCS, State, and district programs. This ensures that producers have direct access to the programs and offerings that are most relevant to their needs.”

In Eagle County, the District Technician is collecting baseline data on wildlife forage (picture above).

“The District Conservation Technician program has allowed the Eagle County Conservation District to conduct noxious weed mapping on 325 acres to identify problem areas, and to collect baseline data on wildlife forage quality and quantity to evaluate ecosystem health as it relates to wildlife habitat potential.” said Laura Bohannon, Executive Director for Eagle County Conservation District

“Thanks to having DCT’s we have been able to help spread the Conservation message to more groups and people in general.  We have been able to do a lot more educational outreach in the two schools within our district.  Another asset to having our awesome DCT’s is being able to participate in bigger grant projects and programs.  For example, The Colorado Soil Health Program.  I alone could not manage the amount of producers we have enrolled!  We are still looking for more grants to aid in more on the ground conservation projects.  I have a great team!” said Ashley Grasser, District Manager of Bent Conservation District.

Aleksy Cybulski, Shavano Conservation District’s Technician, has made a significant impact within our District, particularly through her work in the CDA Soil Health Program. Her efforts have assisted in the implementation of 248 acres in active soil health practices. These practices include soil carbon amendments, cover crops, prescribed grazing, no-till/reduced tillage, nutrient management, and rotational grazing. These efforts have also increased soil health & crop diversity. Aleksy has also played a key role within the NRCS team, assisting with planning and facilitating practices, as well as working on Resource Conservation Plans. Aleksy has been able to assist Shavano in our mission’s goals “…to protect and conserve natural resources” said Penny Bishop District Manager, Shavano Conservation District 

These examples illustrate the positive impact of the DTC program in supporting conservation efforts and fostering collaboration between agencies and local communities. The program’s long term success (over 20 years!) serves as a model for promoting conservation practices and achieving sustainable land management throughout Colorado.