Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

Would you like to see Bobwhite Quail, Cottontail Rabbits, and songbirds on your property? Landowners/operators interested in creating wildlife habitat on their property have an opportunity to apply for assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The NRCS is currently accepting application from landowners/operator’s who wish to apply for financial assistance in the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). WHIP is a voluntary program that encourages the creation of high quality wildlife habitats. The NRCS provides cost-share payments for the development and protection of upland, wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat areas.

There is no minimum or maximum cost-share amount or acreage limit. The NRCS will develop a wildlife habitat management plan for the landowner/operator. The plan then becomes the basis of the cost-share agreement between NRCS and the participant. NRCS provides cost-share payments to landowners under these agreements that are usually 5 to 10 years in duration, depending on practices to be installed.

If you are interested in applying for assistance in the WHIP program, contact your local USDA Service Center.