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. . SOIL CONSERVATION Board approves grants to cities. The Colorado State Soil Conservation Board Aug. 20 approved proposals from six soil conservation districts in the first round of funding through the new Natural Resources Conservation Matching Grants Program. The board awarded grants totaling $123.428 to Delta/Shavano (combined), Dove Creek, East Otero, Haxtun, West Greeley and Upper Huerfano districts. The Colorado Legislature approved $250,000 for this new program during the 1997 session. This is the first time that these funds have been available to the soil conservation districts through the State Board. The six approved grants enable the soil conservation dis- tricts to establish local cost-share assistance programs for landowners. Landowners will use the funds to install terraces, tree plantings and stockwater developments which will address water quality, wildlife habitat and soil erosion concerns. The board received 33 requests totaling $533, 910 but was able to approve only six. Applicants will have another opportunity to submit requests by Nov. I for the second and final round of funding Colorado Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St.,Room 718 Denver, CO 80203 340100000 * Printed on recycled paper this year. The board will review the proposals and make fmal selections Nov. 20. Board sets five-year goals. The Colorado State Soil Conservation Board met Aug. 19 to begin developing a long- range plan to guide them for the next five years. At the meet- ing, the board agreed on these issues and priorities: to secure sufficient funding for successful10cal and state conservation programs; to protect agricultural land, open space and related natural resources; to educate the general public in effective resource management; to educate and train soil conservation district board members; to strengthen district networks to deliv- er technical and financial assistance to landowners; and to establish consistent, workable resource conservation policies which address local and state issues. The board undertakes a long-range planning process every five years. This plan addresses the impacts on soil conserva- tion programs of recent growth and development in the state and of new regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The next planning meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18.