NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709

For more information:
Sharon Norris  (208) 378-5725
Communications Director
 

SIGNUP UNDERWAY NOW FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM

BOISE, Aug. 5, 2002—Idaho landowners who wish to participate in a voluntary federal conservation program to enhance wildlife habitat now have their first opportunity to do so in over a year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho received $162,000 for financial assistance for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) from the recently passed Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, the 2002 Farm Bill.

"WHIP funds can help farmers, ranchers and other private landowners plan and develop upland, wetland, riparian and aquatic habitat on their property," said Richard Sims, NRCS State Conservationist. "Some landowners have been hoping to undertake these projects for months or years, but the program has had limited funding in the past. We’re very excited to have these new conservation opportunities through the 2002 Farm Bill."

In the recently enacted 2002 Farm Bill, Congress authorized up to $15 million nationwide for use between now and the end of September. With the beginning of the new federal fiscal year on October 1, 2002, an additional $30 million will be made available nationally for WHIP.

NRCS provides technical assistance to WHIP participants to help them prepare wildlife habitat development plans that identify a combination of conservation practices and management guidelines, as well as a multi-year schedule for practice installation. The program provides up to 75 percent of the cost of implementing the practices. Most cost-share agreements are five- to 10-years in duration. Longer agreements are available for landowners who want to create long-lasting habitat for especially vulnerable species.

For more information, landowners should visit their local USDA Service Center or local conservation district office immediately. Landowners may apply for WHIP in person, by telephone, letter, fax, or electronic mail. Deadline is Aug. 31.
 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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