NEWS

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

Media Contact:
Kristen Clayton (208) 757-9224
Bob Bartholomew (208) 378-5703

Funding Available
Deadline Approaching for Program Applications

BOISE, October 31, 2006—The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho is wrapping up the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) sign-up for this year.  The deadline for applications is November 24, 2006.

WHIP, reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill, is a voluntary program open to most landowners interested in enhancing upland, wetland, riparian and aquatic wildlife habitat areas.  NRCS provides technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance.

The current WHIP sign-up is open to the following counties: Fremont, Clark, Madison, Teton, Caribou, Bear Lake, and Franklin with an emphasis on projects that address native fish of concern.  Projects that address Salmon and Steelhead concerns will also be considered, dependant on Salmon Habitat Recovery Initiative funds being received in Clearwater, Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Idaho, Adams, Valley, Lemhi and Custer counties.

Projects must directly benefit native fish species that are recognized to be in population decline or on the Threatened and Endangered list.  Future sign-ups will move on to other locations and species of interest as designated by the Idaho State Technical Advisory Committee.

“This is an opportunity that might not be available again for some time in some areas,” said Bob Bartholomew, NRCS assistant state conservationist for programs.  “By targeting the WHIP program on species of concern at specific Idaho locations, we hope to prioritize habitat restoration and increase program efficiencies.”

WHIP conservation practices can include providing shade along streams, restoring gravel spawning beds, removing barriers to fish passages and reducing agricultural runoff.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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