Ellis County Conservation District

10/05/2026

🚨 Oklahoma producers: The Emergency Drought Assistance Program is back! Apply starting today at 8:30am in person at your local conservation district, by email, or by mail for support with pasture taps, water wells, pond cleanouts, and more.

Applications are first-come, first-served! Application and full program details can be found at: https://conservation.ok.gov/emergency-drought-assistance-program/

10/02/2026

‼️Emergency Drought Program Has Been Extended‼️

The Ellis County Conservation District will be taking applications for the Emergency Drought Cost Share program from 8:30 am on October 5, 2026, through October 30, 2026 at 4pm.

This is an extension of the current Emergency Drought Program, so if a producer was fully funded during the March application period or later as an alternate when funding became available, they are not eligible to re-apply. Any unfunded applications will expire at midnight on October 4, 2026, and those producers must re-apply for the new funding.

The program provides cost share assistance (80% cost share rate with a $7,500 maximum payment) on water wells, pumping plants, pipelines, pasture taps, watering facilities with heavy use area protection, and pond cleanouts. This program is retroactive to July 15, 2026, so if you have completed or started one of these practices since that date, you may qualify for financial assistance.

The revised program deadlines are December 31, 2026, for pond cleanouts and July 1, 2027, for all other practices.

This program is considered first come, first serve as funding permits.

Applications are not considered complete without GPS coordinates of the desired installation location and landowner consent (if applicable). Approval and funding are contingent on a field visit and visual inspection to determine need.

Applications are available from the district’s office at 155 East Renfrow in Arnett, or you can download one from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s website. If you can’t make it to the office, you can request one to be emailed, but note that is subject to staff availability.
For inquiries, call us at (580) 885-7306 and leave a message if we are unavailable. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

*Calling the USDA's new main line will NOT connect you to the District, even though it is a menu option. Please call the local number directly for assistance.

09/28/2026

Thursday, September 17th we hosted our Outdoor Classroom! We had over 50 students from all 3 schools in the county attend where we were able to have up to 9 businesses/agencies volunteer their time and resources. We are so thankful for all our volunteers and the county schools for attending. Also a big thank you to R&R Grocery for providing the pizzas for lunch! We couldn't have done this without you all!

09/21/2026

Did you know outdoor water use changes with the seasons? From lawn irrigation to gardening, cooler weather means your plants need less water — and your landscape needs different care.

Here are some tips for conserving water this fall and winter:
– Water plants less as temperatures drop
– Prepare for winter by draining irrigation lines and storing hoses
– Check your water usage history to spot leaks or waste
– Maintain trees and lawns with occasional watering on warmer days

Learn more about seasonal landscape maintenance here: https://bit.ly/4j4H9Qw

09/21/2026

🌔 Lights Out for Fall Migration - Now through the end of October, we ask that you turn off non-essential outdoor lights between 11 PM – 6 AM to protect migrating birds and vital pollinators. 🦆🦋

💡 Artificial light at night disrupts natural behaviors, reduces pollination, and can draw wildlife into unsafe areas—impacting birds, moths, monarchs, and more.

Simple actions make a big difference:
• Close blinds at night
• Don't use landscape lighting
• Use warm, down-directed, motion-activated lights when needed

🔭 Together, we can reduce light pollution, save energy, protect wildlife, and bring back the stars.

🔗 Learn more at link in comments.

09/11/2026

09/02/2026

We will be closed Monday, September 7th. If you have any questions or concerns that arise, please send us an email or call and leave us a voicemail. We will get back to you as soon as possible!
(580) 885-7306
[email protected]

09/01/2026

Make sure to check out our ECCD info page! We make daily updates for programs, upcoming events, and deadlines.

155 East Renfrow PO Box 298 Arnett, Oklahoma 73832 (580) 885-7306 [email protected] WHO WE ARE The Dust Bowl of the 1930s destroyed millions of acres of farmland and natural resources. This catastrophic era prompted the formation of conservation distri...

08/27/2026

Drought continues to rapidly spread and intensify across the state, spurred on by one of our hottest and driest Augusts on record. 100% of the state is now in drought, a level we haven't seen since the fall of 2022. https://ticker.mesonet.org/

08/25/2026

OK-FIRE is pleased to announce its fall workshop schedule, which will consist of three in-person options in Guymon, Durant, and Mustang and one virtual option.

The FREE workshops will be led by Dr. Monica Mattox and guest speakers. Content will include a combination of presentations, case studies, and interactive lab exercises. Topics will cover the OK-FIRE website, components of fire danger, forecast and monitoring products, real-life emergency management scenarios, and prescribed burning.

The intended audience includes landowners, wildland managers, firefighters, prescribed burn associations, and public safety officials.

Register here: https://www.mesonet.org/news/ok-fire-fall-2026-winter-2027-workshops