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Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) in Randolph County, WV

Snowshoe hare in Randolph County, WV

Photo: C. Shrader, NRCS
WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM

WHIP
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want 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 fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed.

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.

Program Information for WHIP in West Virginia

These Documents require Adobe Acrobat reader

Adobe Acrobat Document2004-2007 WHIP Implementation Plan.pdf (432 KB)
Adobe Acrobat Document2004-2007 WV Whip Ranking Criteria Cover Sheet.pdf (98 KB)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentThreatened and Endangered Species.pdf (79 KB)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentRiparian Area Wildlife.pdf (83 KB)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentFarm Wildlife.pdf (96 KB)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentWoodland Wildlife.pdf (96 KB)
Adobe Acrobat Document2004 WHIP Cost List.pdf (55 KB)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentWHIP Checklist (101 KB)--Revised 8-04
NOTE:  These Next Two Are West Virginia Forms
Adobe Acrobat DocumentFarm Bill Payment Assignment Form.pdf (78 KB)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentFarm Bill Notice of Intent to Withdraw (75 KB)

WV WHIP Sample Letters--sample letters that should be used to notify WHIP applicants of the status of their application for FY 2004

West Virginia currently has almost 50,000 acres under contract. A typical contract may consist of such practices as the installation of warm season grasses, forest openings, use exclusion and brush management. For more information on the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program contact the Local NRCS Service Center.

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