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The following services are available through the Conservation District:
Technical assistance for planning, design, construction inspections for all cost share projects is provided through our federal partners at NRCS as their staffing allows. Kansas NRCS have experienced a 34% reduction in staff since February 2025.
Landowners have the option of contracting with a private engineer on the USDA Approved Technical Service Providers List for these services. Local contractors and private engineers may complete the "become a TSP" process to be added to the approved TSP list to begin providing these services.
Landowners have the option of contracting with a private engineer on the USDA Approved Technical Service Providers List for these services. Local contractors and private engineers may complete the "become a TSP" process to be added to the approved TSP list to begin providing these services.
CONTRACTORS LIST
The Franklin County Conservation District provides a list of contractors as a public service for landowners looking to have various conservation work completed on their land. The Franklin County Conservation District is not responsible for arrangements, quotes, contracts, or any other business conducted between landowners and contractors. This information constitutes no endorsement by the Franklin County Conservation District. These lists consist of contractors who contacted our office and requested to be included. Lists are reviewed and updated annually
The Franklin County Conservation District provides a list of contractors as a public service for landowners looking to have various conservation work completed on their land. The Franklin County Conservation District is not responsible for arrangements, quotes, contracts, or any other business conducted between landowners and contractors. This information constitutes no endorsement by the Franklin County Conservation District. These lists consist of contractors who contacted our office and requested to be included. Lists are reviewed and updated annually
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Click here for a list of onsite waste system installers, waste haulers, inspectors, water well drillers and design/soil profile/site assessments contractors licensed with Franklin County.
GREAT PLAINS NO-TILL DRILL FOR RENT
The Franklin County Conservation District owns a six foot Great Plains No-till Drill which is available for use within Franklin County. The current drill was purchased new in May 2026 and has the capability to seed native grass, food plots, conservation buffers, pastures, pollinator habitat, house yards and even grains such as wheat, oats, rye, and soybeans.
Effective June 4, 2026 the minimum rental charge is $150.00; EXACT cash or check only. This minimum rental charge allows for up to ten acres of use. Acreage over 10 will be billed at $15.00 per acre based off acreage meter reading.
A minimum 40HP tractor with hydraulic hook-ups is required for using the drill. Drill is chain drive, not PTO, and has a pin hitch, not a ball hitch. Call 785-241-7201 or call/text our cell at 785-418-0707.
Funds generated through drill rental fees are used to cover upkeep on drill and to cover replacement costs as needed. County/State tax funds are NOT used to cover operational expenses or purchases of new drills.
Below are the use guides for each seed box:
The Franklin County Conservation District owns a six foot Great Plains No-till Drill which is available for use within Franklin County. The current drill was purchased new in May 2026 and has the capability to seed native grass, food plots, conservation buffers, pastures, pollinator habitat, house yards and even grains such as wheat, oats, rye, and soybeans.
Effective June 4, 2026 the minimum rental charge is $150.00; EXACT cash or check only. This minimum rental charge allows for up to ten acres of use. Acreage over 10 will be billed at $15.00 per acre based off acreage meter reading.
A minimum 40HP tractor with hydraulic hook-ups is required for using the drill. Drill is chain drive, not PTO, and has a pin hitch, not a ball hitch. Call 785-241-7201 or call/text our cell at 785-418-0707.
Funds generated through drill rental fees are used to cover upkeep on drill and to cover replacement costs as needed. County/State tax funds are NOT used to cover operational expenses or purchases of new drills.
Below are the use guides for each seed box:
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CUSTOM BLENDED SEED FOR SALE
The Franklin County Conservation District offers to the public custom blended seed mixes for all your erosion control, pasture/hay land enhancement and wildlife habitat needs. We do not keep seed on hand as each order is custom blended to meet YOUR environmental benefit needs! We work directly with NRCS and FSA to assure the seed we order meet program requirements for CRP, EQIP and pollinator programs under the Federal Farm Bill.
Funds generated from seed sales have allowed the Conservation District to host and fund several tire collection days since 2012 and also purchase new no-till drills on a regular basis to keep our equipment in good shape. Thank you for supporting our seed sales program as we return the benefits right back to you, the county landowners!
Available Grasses include:
Blue Grama, Buffalo Grass, Eastern Gama Grass, Western Wheatgrass, Annual Ryegrass, Prairie Cordgrass, Reed Canary, Wild Rye, Alfalfa (grazing type & common), Ladino White Clover, Medium Red Clover and Fescue, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, Side-oats, Switch Grass, as well as Brome, fescue, rye, clover and more.
Available Forbes and Legumes include:
Black-eyed Susan; Blanket Flower; Blue Flax; Butterfly Milkweed; Coneflower~ Clasping, Grayhead, Pale Purple, Purple, Upright; Plains Coreopsis; Sunflower ~ False, Maximilian; Illinois Bundle Flower; Indian Blanket; Partridge Pea; Pitcher Sage; Purple Prairie Clover; Wild Bergamont; and Wild Blue Indigo.
Learn about Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses at: http://www.kswildflower.org/
Funds generated from seed sales have allowed the Conservation District to host and fund several tire collection days since 2012 and also purchase new no-till drills on a regular basis to keep our equipment in good shape. Thank you for supporting our seed sales program as we return the benefits right back to you, the county landowners!
The Franklin County Conservation District offers to the public custom blended seed mixes for all your erosion control, pasture/hay land enhancement and wildlife habitat needs. We do not keep seed on hand as each order is custom blended to meet YOUR environmental benefit needs! We work directly with NRCS and FSA to assure the seed we order meet program requirements for CRP, EQIP and pollinator programs under the Federal Farm Bill.
Funds generated from seed sales have allowed the Conservation District to host and fund several tire collection days since 2012 and also purchase new no-till drills on a regular basis to keep our equipment in good shape. Thank you for supporting our seed sales program as we return the benefits right back to you, the county landowners!
Available Grasses include:
Blue Grama, Buffalo Grass, Eastern Gama Grass, Western Wheatgrass, Annual Ryegrass, Prairie Cordgrass, Reed Canary, Wild Rye, Alfalfa (grazing type & common), Ladino White Clover, Medium Red Clover and Fescue, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, Side-oats, Switch Grass, as well as Brome, fescue, rye, clover and more.
Available Forbes and Legumes include:
Black-eyed Susan; Blanket Flower; Blue Flax; Butterfly Milkweed; Coneflower~ Clasping, Grayhead, Pale Purple, Purple, Upright; Plains Coreopsis; Sunflower ~ False, Maximilian; Illinois Bundle Flower; Indian Blanket; Partridge Pea; Pitcher Sage; Purple Prairie Clover; Wild Bergamont; and Wild Blue Indigo.
Learn about Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses at: http://www.kswildflower.org/
Funds generated from seed sales have allowed the Conservation District to host and fund several tire collection days since 2012 and also purchase new no-till drills on a regular basis to keep our equipment in good shape. Thank you for supporting our seed sales program as we return the benefits right back to you, the county landowners!
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MARKING FLAGS FOR SALE
Available in bundles of 100 for $15.00 per bundle. (Cash or check payment accepted)
We keep florescent pink on hand and occasionally have blue available also.
Flags have a 30" wire stake.
photo credit: blackburnflag.com
Available in bundles of 100 for $15.00 per bundle. (Cash or check payment accepted)
We keep florescent pink on hand and occasionally have blue available also.
Flags have a 30" wire stake.
photo credit: blackburnflag.com
DRIP TORCHES FOR LOAN
The Franklin County Conservation District has two Panama Drip Torches available for loan to assist with conducting a controlled burn. Tank capacity is 1 3/8 gallons. Fuel mixture to be used is 1 part gasoline to 4 parts diesel fuel OR 1 quart gasoline to 1 gallon Diesel Fuel. Person borrowing the torch is fully liable for any damage resulting from the fire and cost of suppression, should the fire escape. Make sure the tank is empty before returning it to our office.
There is no charge to borrow our drip torches; they were purchased and are maintained through funds generated through our seed sales.
photo from demonstration burn at Pomona Lake.
The Franklin County Conservation District has two Panama Drip Torches available for loan to assist with conducting a controlled burn. Tank capacity is 1 3/8 gallons. Fuel mixture to be used is 1 part gasoline to 4 parts diesel fuel OR 1 quart gasoline to 1 gallon Diesel Fuel. Person borrowing the torch is fully liable for any damage resulting from the fire and cost of suppression, should the fire escape. Make sure the tank is empty before returning it to our office.
There is no charge to borrow our drip torches; they were purchased and are maintained through funds generated through our seed sales.
photo from demonstration burn at Pomona Lake.
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Kansas Forest Service District Forester servicing Franklin County
Howard Freerksen assists private landowners with tree planting projects, forest management, and State and Federal cost-share programs. |
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CONSERVATION TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
The Kansas Forest Service’s Conservation Tree Planting Program offers tree and shrub seedlings, as well as other items for use in conservation plantings available for sale. Plantings may function as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations, or educational and riparian (streambank) plantings.
Containerized seedling sales run September through mid October. Bare-root seedling sales run December through May 1.
The Kansas Forest Service’s Conservation Tree Planting Program offers tree and shrub seedlings, as well as other items for use in conservation plantings available for sale. Plantings may function as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations, or educational and riparian (streambank) plantings.
Containerized seedling sales run September through mid October. Bare-root seedling sales run December through May 1.
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Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Biologist for Franklin County, Tim Urban, provides technical assistance to private landowners for wildlife habitat improvement on their land and can answer questions regarding financial assistance through their Habitat First program.
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Looking for Wildlife Conservation Assistance? Visit the KDWP links below
NOXIOUS WEED IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL
We work with the Franklin County Noxious Weed Department to help landowners with weed control issues. We assist with information related to the management of Noxious Weeds in Franklin County. The Noxious Weed Department has sprayers available for rent. For in depth information on the control of noxious weeds, landowners should contact the Franklin County Noxious Weed Department at 785-229-8470, or visit the Franklin County website.
We work with the Franklin County Noxious Weed Department to help landowners with weed control issues. We assist with information related to the management of Noxious Weeds in Franklin County. The Noxious Weed Department has sprayers available for rent. For in depth information on the control of noxious weeds, landowners should contact the Franklin County Noxious Weed Department at 785-229-8470, or visit the Franklin County website.
POND INFORMATION
While the conservation district idoe not offer any type of cost share/financial assistance programs for pond construction or maintenance we do provide the following information for landowners who are considering constructing a pond.
What dams require a permit under state law? A dam regulated by DWR is defined as any artificial barrier, including its appurtenant works, with the ability to impound water, waste water or other liquids that has either: (a) a height of 25 feet or more; (b) a height of 6 feet or more and a storage volume at the top of the emergency spillway elevation of 50 or more acre feet. The height of a dam is determined from the lowest elevation of the streambed, downstream toe or outside limit of the dam to the elevation of the top of the dam.
You should contact Division of Water Resources for additional information on state laws regarding permits to construct.
Kansas Department of Agriculture- Division of Water Resources
1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan KS 66502
(785) 564-6700
Online at http://agriculture.ks.gov or the following takes you to a more information about DWR permits.
Landowners should also check with Franklin County Planning and Building about local regulations, such as set-backs from property lines which may pertain to ponds.
Looking for information on aquatic plants and their control?
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service have a publication available entitled "Aquatic Plants And Their Control" which covers topics such as classification of aquatic plants, identification, control and herbicides and their use for aquatic plants. This publication is available in pdf format at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/crpsl2/c667.pdf paper copies, in limited supply, are available in the Conservation District Office.
Additional information on aquatic plants may be obtained through the following sources:
Kansas State University Research & Extension; Frontier District Extension
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
While the conservation district idoe not offer any type of cost share/financial assistance programs for pond construction or maintenance we do provide the following information for landowners who are considering constructing a pond.
What dams require a permit under state law? A dam regulated by DWR is defined as any artificial barrier, including its appurtenant works, with the ability to impound water, waste water or other liquids that has either: (a) a height of 25 feet or more; (b) a height of 6 feet or more and a storage volume at the top of the emergency spillway elevation of 50 or more acre feet. The height of a dam is determined from the lowest elevation of the streambed, downstream toe or outside limit of the dam to the elevation of the top of the dam.
You should contact Division of Water Resources for additional information on state laws regarding permits to construct.
Kansas Department of Agriculture- Division of Water Resources
1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan KS 66502
(785) 564-6700
Online at http://agriculture.ks.gov or the following takes you to a more information about DWR permits.
Landowners should also check with Franklin County Planning and Building about local regulations, such as set-backs from property lines which may pertain to ponds.
Looking for information on aquatic plants and their control?
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service have a publication available entitled "Aquatic Plants And Their Control" which covers topics such as classification of aquatic plants, identification, control and herbicides and their use for aquatic plants. This publication is available in pdf format at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/crpsl2/c667.pdf paper copies, in limited supply, are available in the Conservation District Office.
Additional information on aquatic plants may be obtained through the following sources:
Kansas State University Research & Extension; Frontier District Extension
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks