South Fork Focus Zone Irrigated Acreage Retirement Program

• Location: Irrigated acreage must be within the boundary of the South Fork of the Republican River's live stream.
• Landownership: Applicants must prove landownership for more than one year.
• Base Program Participation: Applicants must participate in one of four "base" programs that also support irrigated acreage retirement (CREP, EQIP, RAMP, or WPPP). The SFFZ Program supplements these base programs. Contact the Republican River Water Conservation District (RRWCD) for more information on base program requirements.
• RRWCD Recommendation: A positive recommendation from the RRWCD is required.

The Program issues grants to eligible owners of irrigated acreage in the South Fork Focus Zone of $750 per irrigated acre retired. Among other requirements, eligibility requires participation in one of four “base” programs and a positive recommendation from the Republican River Water Conservation District. Final grant decisions are made by the CWCB with concurrence from the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

1. Contact RRWCD: The first step is to contact the Republican River Water Conservation District. RRWCD staff will help coordinate landowner participation, develop application documents, and submit applications to the CWCB.
2. Application Materials: Required materials include:
   1. Proof of ownership of irrigated acreage in the SFFZ.
   2. Proof of participation in a base program.
   3. A positive recommendation from the RRWCD, including an evaluation of eligible acres and the recommended grant amount ($750 per acre).
   4. Scope of Work (Exhibit A).
   5. Budget (Exhibit B).
   6. Proof of Insurance (if applicable).
   7. Certificate of Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State (if applicable).
3. Submission: Application materials can be emailed to the South Fork Focus Zone Irrigated Acreage Retirement Program Manager.
4. Evaluation and Decision: CWCB staff will evaluate applications. The Colorado Division of Water Resources must concur with the RRWCD's recommendation. The CWCB review process includes determining applicant eligibility, reviewing scope and budget, and assessing insurance requirements.
5. Grant Execution: All grants must be executed by December 31, 2029. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are obligated.