NEWS

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite B
Boise, Idaho 83709

For more information:
Bob Bartholomew (208) 378-5703
 

IDAHO RECEIVING NEW SALMON RECOVERY MONEY

The money will be available to private landowners along the Clearwater, Lemhi and Salmon Rivers and tributaries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is administering the funding through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Maine also will receive a portion of the money.

“We’re thrilled to receive more funding to help Idaho farmers and ranchers address salmon recovery,” says Richard Sims, NRCS state conservationist in Boise. “These funds, in conjunction with the work of other conservation partners, will provide a direct benefit to salmon and steelhead habitat.”

Governor Dirk Kempthorne’s Office of Species Conservation along with others like the Idaho Soil Conservation Commission, Bonneville Power Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also provide salmon recovery assistance.

“A substantial number of salmon and steelhead spawn in Idaho,” Sims says. “It’s important that we dedicate these resources to their habitat recovery.”

WHIP provides 75 percent cost share for conservation practices that enhance salmon and steelhead habitat. Practices can include riparian restoration, water conservation measures and in-stream habitat improvements.

The remaining 25 percent cost share can come from nonprofit, state government or landowner contributions. However, WHIP cannot be matched with other federal monies, such as those from the Bonneville Power Administration.

Completed applications for funding are due June 11, 2004. Since applications must include a list of potential conservation practices and cost estimates, farmers and ranchers will need to work with their local USDA Service Center to complete the paperwork.

“Producers will want to work on their applications now,” Sims says. “We have a relatively short timeframe to get these done.”

For more information on the WHIP program and local USDA service centers, visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov or www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/ .

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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