NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Contact:  Jody Fagan, 208.685.6978

October 21, 2005

2006 Conservation Programs offer money for wildlife
Application Deadline is November 22

Boise, Idaho —Over $1 million in conservation funding for species of concern will be available to Idaho’s private landowners this year.

Landowners interested in enhancing habitat for declining species in Idaho can apply for cost-share through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), both administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

NRCS will accept WHIP applications for projects that benefit native trout species in the Teton and Bear Rivers in eastern Idaho, on declining ground squirrels in southwestern Idaho, and on streams with remaining populations of Salmon and Steelhead in the northern part of the state. Fisheries projects to remove downstream passage barriers or screening of water diversions will be top priority.

The EQIP special project funds for declining species are available throughout Idaho. The list of species is extensive and ranges from the Bruneau Hot Springs snail to the prairie grasses in North Idaho.

However, the application deadline is Nov. 22—landowners will want to visit their local NRCS office sooner than later.

“Don’t worry if you haven’t worked out all the details for your project,” says Bob Bartholomew, NRCS assistant state conservationist for programs. “Come in and sign up now, and our conservationists will help you work through your project specifications this winter.”

In 2005, Idaho received $14.2 million in EQIP funding with close to $2 million going toward species of concern projects. Idaho also received over $700,000 in WHIP funding.

Conservation practices that help protect species of concern include native plantings, prescribed grazing, pest management and water control structures. Applicants are encouraged to work closely with a representative of a state or federal wildlife agency, such as the Idaho Department of Fish & Game or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, along with their local NRCS representative to complete the application.

Cost share rates for these special projects are generally 75 percent, 25 percent higher than the general EQIP program.

Special money is also available through EQIP for energy conservation projects, with a special emphasis on landowners interested in converting pressure irrigation systems to 100 percent gravity pressure sprinklers.

Producers can stop by their local NRCS office to pick up application information and a new EQIP self-assessment form being used this year.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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