12-12 IAN WHIP

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) cut-off date is December 16, 2011

 Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program applications received by December 16, 2011 will be considered for funding in Fiscal Year 2012.  While an application may be filed at any time, only applications received by December 16, 2011 will be evaluated for this specific round of funding.

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program is a voluntary Farm Bill program that helps landowners establish or improve wildlife habitat on private property.  Lands eligible for this program include private agricultural land, nonindustrial private forest land, and Tribal Lands. 

Participating land owners work with NRCS Conservationists in their local field office to develop a plan to implement conservation practices which enhance fish and wildlife habitat.  Examples of projects that have been funded in the past include:

·         Stream bank and shoreline protection including planting trees and shrubs along streams and rivers

·         Wildlife friendly fencing to protect sensitive habitat areas

·         Tree and shrub planting to establish windbreaks and shelterbelts

“In Idaho WHIP assistance is focused on restoration of native vegetation on riparian, wetland, shrub/steppe and grassland habitats.  We put a priority on restoration of habitat for threatened and endangered plant and animal species, and ‘species of special concern’ listed at the state level.” said Michelle Pak, Acting Public Affairs Specialist 

For specific information on WHIP eligibility requirements, stop by your local USDA service center or visit NRCS online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/.