December 20 Application Deadline Set for Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

News provided by

USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service

Nov 15, 2013, 04:54 ET

DAVIS, Calif., Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California's farmers and ranchers interested in participating in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) have until Dec. 20, 2013, to do so.

WHIP is a voluntary program for conservation-minded landowners who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat on lands with the potential to grow crops, livestock or timber. Highest priority applications are those enhancing habitat for endangered, threatened species like the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and other at-risk species like Greater Sage-Grouse. Other priority applications are those enhancing or managing sensitive habitats that provide for numerous classes of wildlife or fish.

Eligible producers with a conservation plan for their operation receive priority for financial assistance. NRCS staff is available to help producers create conservation plans on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted throughout the year. Applications received by December 20 will be evaluated for funding priority for available FY 2014 funding. Applications received after December 20 may be considered for future funding.

In order to be considered eligible for WHIP, the applicant must have a vested interest in production agricultural and meet other program eligibility requirements.

For additional information, eligible producers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS Service Center. Service center locations and more information on the programs can be found at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.

NRCS has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water and other natural resources since 1935.

SOURCE USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service