West Virginia Success Story

WHIP Provides a Higher Quality Habitat for Wildlife

Program or Category: Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Overview: Jim Winski became a cooperator in December 2000. He was interested in enhancing the wildlife habitat on his farm, he had a forestry management plan developed by the WV Division of Forestry and he is also interested in applying conservation practices on his farmland to improve pasture and hay land. He received a WHIP contract in 2001 that focused on the rabbit and grouse species on his land. He completed all of his cost shared items by December of 2004. His contract is now complete including the non-cost shared items done through this year and is scheduled to expire at the end of 2006. I thought it would be fitting to ask him how his experience was working with NRCS and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. I also wanted to know if he had observed an improvement in the quality of the habitat and number of animals on his land.

Accomplishments: In 5 years Mr. Winski improved the composition of wildlife habitat from fair to excellent, the quality of habitat from poor to excellent and the distribution of habitat from fair to good. His primary target species was the cottontail rabbit with a secondary target of ruffed grouse. Mr. Winski said, “I am very pleased with the quality of habitat” he was able to create for the wildlife.

Program Benefits to Landowner: When Mr. Winski moved to his farm 15 years ago he would see one or two rabbits, one grouse occasionally, and a few other wildlife species. He now sees ten or more new rabbits every season. There are now two covey of grouse usually in a group of fifteen with 4-5 staying on his land over winter. Two turkey hens raise young each spring on his farm since creating a better nesting habitat and deer have been more plentiful since they have a better quality bedding area. His experience working with WHIP and NRCS was summed up by stating, “You all have always been very responsive to all my needs and I would recommend NRCS and their programs to anybody. I would consider working with NRCS and any other program they have to offer. People who don’t use NRCS as a resource is missing out on a great opportunity.”

Program Benefits to Community: Mr. Winski has provided a better quality habitat for cottontail rabbits, but in the process helped a lot of other species, too. The community will benefit from Mr. Winski’s participation in WHIP by seeing an increase in rabbit, grouse, turkey and deer populations. Another community benefit will be sharing his first hand experience with NRCS and a Farm Bill program with others in his community and possibly prompting more participation in voluntary programs like WHIP to help landowners and operators see an economical and environmental impact on their own land.

Contact:
LaRae Baker, Soil Conservationist
304-624-9232 x 3
LaRae.Baker@wv.usda.gov

Mount Clare Service Center-Serving Doddridge and Harrison Counties
Rt. 2, Box 204-D
Mount Clare, WV 26408
Phone (304) 624-9232 Fax (304) 624-5976
http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/mt_clare.html

WHIP programs may include woodland wildlife species habitat improvements.

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