FCD Bulletin September 2025
FCD Bulletin September 2025
In Memory of Betty Chess 1932-2025
In October 1977--thirty-one years after its founding-- Fremont Conservation District hired its first employee. Betty Chess started as a part time clerk at $2.50 per hour, 12 hours a week. Over the years Betty expanded her responsibilities to become the first District Manager, a role in which she served for 26 years before retiring in 2003. Betty served the district board during exciting times, including the hiring of additional district employees, passing a district mill levy, and organizing the community response to the Iron Mountain Fire (for which FCD was awarded District of the Year). Beyond these workplace accomplishments Betty stayed active in her community with a presence in the 4-H and the Fremont County Cattlewoman's Association. In recognition of Betty's invaluable service to the conservation district and her lifelong support for the agricultural heritage of Fremont County, the current Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to name the district's college scholarship the Betty Chess Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is open each spring for aspiring college students who are interested in entering the agricultural, environmental, or related trade fields. Scholarships will support the next generation of agricultural professionals who are the true inheritors of that legacy of heritage which Betty Chess cultivated throughout her life.
Soil Health Workshop
Fremont Conservation District will host a 2-day soil health workshop on October 15th and 16th at Pathfinder Park in Florence. The workshop will be split between in-class presentations and field demonstrations. Topics will include soil health basics, erosion, cover cropping, tillage, noxious weeds, livestock integration, microbiology, and more! The first 20 people to register (and attend both days) will receive a coupon for a free soil sample from an accredited lab. This event is free to attend; registration can be found here.
RESTORE Grant
ZeroFoodprint's RESTORE grant is now accepting grant applications from Colorado farmers and ranchers. This grant pays up to $25,000 for certain regenerative agriculture practices including (but not limited to): no-till/low till, cover cropping, pollinator hedgerows, prescribed grazing, conservation rotational cropping, and more. Eligible applicants must be producing food for human consumption on agricultural land. One of the grant requirements is to partner with a technical assistance provider, which is where the Fremont Conservation District can assist. To learn more about the RESTORE grant, or to apply, click here.
Colorado Department of Ag launches new Ag Stewardship Tax Credit (ASTC)
This tax credit is meant to encourage the practice of qualified stewardship practices on a farm or ranch, including any practice that: increases soil health, improves water efficiency, or creates more diverse and beneficial ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch.
- Is based on a list of annual, perennial, and supplemental practices.
- Is refundable (producers can get a tax rebate if they do not owe taxes)
- Cannot overlap with existing grants or tax credits (it cannot be applied to the same practice on the same acreage as another grant).
The Ag Stewardship Tax Credit (ASTC):
The tax credit application will open in November and is based on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, if you are interested in applying, it may be beneficial to look over the application requirements and gather all necessary documentation prior to the open application date. More information on the ASTC can be found here.
Upcoming Events
- Fremont Conservation District Board Meeting. Wednesday September 3rd, 6:00 p.m. USDA Service Center Canon City.
- Fremont Conservation District Board Meeting. Wednesday October 3rd, 6:00 p.m. USDA Service Center Canon City.