Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) 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.

SIGN-UP

Application sign-up is an ongoing process and can be done online at USDA Service Center eForms Web Site
Follow the instructions and information as you enter this site. 

If you are unable to submit your application online you can fill out the form, print, sign and mail, fax or hand deliver to your local USDA NRCS Service Center.
 

For additional information in West Virginia contact:

For More Information

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 establishment of grasses and legumes. For more information on the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program contact your local USDA NRCS Service Center by clicking the county on the map.
 

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