UPDATE November 30, 2005
NEWS RELEASE
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
771 Corporate Drive Suite 210
Lexington, Kentucky 40503
Tel. 859-224-7350
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
EXTENDS APPLICATION DATE FOR
WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM (WHIP)
TO JANUARY 31, 2006
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently extended
the ranking period for WHIP. Applications received by January 31, 2006 will now
be included in the 2006 program year. Applications received by that date will be rated
by February 15, 2006. Applications received after January 31, 2006 are held until the
next evaluation period.
WHIP provides landusers an opportunity to improve wildlife habitat. The
program allows up to 75 per cent cost-share assistance for eligible practices on land
they own or control. The landuser must devote at least 10 acres to eligible wildlife
practices.
In Kentucky, the primary focus of WHIP is to restore and create early
successional habitats. Planting native grasses for wildlife cover or for the dual
purpose of grazing and wildlife cover are eligible practices under Kentucky’s 2006
WHIP cost-share assistance.
WHIP focuses on wildlife improvements to improve cover, and food plots are not eligible in
this program. Other eligible practices for cost-share assistance include old field regeneration; forest
stand improvement; field borders; tree and shrub plantings; wildlife watering holes; shallow water
areas; and fencing to exclude livestock from streams, woodland, wetlands, and wildlife lands.
WHIP applications are evaluated and ranked to determine which applications provide the
most beneficial habitats.
To apply for WHIP, please contact your local service center.
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