Idaho's WHIP Program

 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will have an additional sign-up period in fiscal year 2009 for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) to implement conservation practices related to improving wildlife habitat on private lands. The application period is open for two more weeks and ending July 6.

Alexis Collins for the USDA: “WHIP is a voluntary program for landowners that want to improve wildlife habitat on their land using specific conservation practices.  Through WHIP, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to develop, improve or restore wildlife habitat on private lands within an agricultural or forestry operation. Payments are made to accomplish agreed upon habitat improvement practices.”

Idaho’s WHIP plan focuses on restoration work that addresses critical wildlife habitat needs in specific habitat types.  It also emphasizes habitat restoration and management that positively impacts threatened and endangered species and species of special concern. 

To support habitat requirements for specific wildlife species, the application ranking process prioritizes habitat types and geographic areas.