Belknap County officials warn budget cuts to extension and conservation district risk grants, services

Belknap County commissioners heard extended testimony Wednesday that recent budget cuts to the county’s Cooperative Extension and Conservation District could jeopardize hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant-funded projects and local services.

Both agencies told the board that local cuts reduce their ability to provide technical assistance, lead volunteer programs and secure matching funds required by many grants. Lisa, a Conservation District staff member, said the district brought in “over $200,000” in grant funds last year and listed projects including stream restoration, forest management plans, farm-to-school procurement and rental equipment for farmers. She said staffing reductions would force the district’s only full-time employee to drop to part-time and would reduce timely responses to farmers and residents.

The district’s volunteer supervisor, Rick DeMar, told commissioners that the cuts “risk our ability to perform our current obligations” and that performance requirements tied to awarded grants could be imperiled. He said the district is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and…