Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Sign-up

MORGANTOWN WV, November 19, 2004–The Natural Resources Conversation Service (NRCS) announces fiscal year 2005 sign-up is underway for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). To participate, landowners submit an application with their local NRCS office or conservation district office. Applications are accepted at any time during the year but the application period for 2005 funding closes December 3, 2004. Applications received after December 3 will be held until the next round of funding.

WHIP is a voluntary program to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP, NRCS provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years.

NRCS selects applications based on West Virginia developed ranking processes that achieve specific wildlife goals and objectives. Local work groups provide input to the West Virginia State Technical Committee to develop a WHIP plan. The ranking process is derived from the priorities identified in the West Virginia plan.

WHIP has proven to be a highly effective and widely accepted program in the state. Although woodland wildlife (i.e. ruffed grouse, wild turkey) plans through WHIP are numerous; West Virginia has emphasized development of habitat for farm wildlife (bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbit, songbirds) and riparian areas. WHIP has benefited individual landowners as well as large hunting clubs throughout the state.

West Virginia currently has almost 65,323 acres under contract. A typical contract may consist of such practices as the installation of warm season grasses, forest openings, use exclusion and tree and shrub establishment.

For more information, please contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your local conservation district. Information also is available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/

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