The Dolores Conservation District is changing its name and embarking on a marketing campaign to raise awareness of its agricultural services.

The first step is the name change to High Desert Conservation District.

"The old name has been confusing for people," said district manager Judy Garrigues. "It's hard to promote ourselves when the public isn't clear about what we do."

The High Desert Conservation District provides farmers and ranchers with resources to better manage their operations. They also provide conservation supplies such as drip irrigation, weed barrier, tree protection, and a seed drill.

District staff and board members are experts in local, state and federal agricultural programs, and know the local market. The organization arranges on-site consultations for irrigation management, soil health, cover crops, reduced tillage, salinity control, erosion, flood damage, noxious weeds and practical crop and pasture management.

"We're trying to attract people who are not tied into aid programs and grants that will benefit them," Garrigues said.

During the current drought, it's important to adjust management practices to preserve soil health, protect pastures and produce the best crop yields possible with less water.

"A lot of people don't know what is available, so we will be doing more outreach in the county," Garrigues said. "Taking advantage of our resources will help our community become more resilient to drought and allow us to maintain our agricultural lifestyle."

The district is one of 76 in Colorado. It survives on grants and funding from the Basin Salinity Area.

Previously known as soil districts, its original mission was flood and irrigation controls to manage salinity runoff into the Colorado River.

As part of their outreach program, High Desert hired agricultural consultant Travis Custer, a soil-health specialist and farmer trained in holistic management practices.

Custer is available for free on-site consultations with landowners to determine programs and practices that could benefit their operation.

"My job is to be the community liaison for resources and working with farmers and ranchers with on-the-ground analysis," Custer said. "There are a lot of incentive programs and costs shares out there that are a big benefit."

High Desert Conservation District is governed by a board of seven volunteer supervisors. They are Joanne Teetzel, Suzanne Aikin, Steve Miles, Lon Varnis, Kim Lindgren, and two positions are vacant.

For more information about High Desert, call (970) 565-9045, extension 118 or visit www.montezumaconservationdistricts.org/index.cfm.

jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com