Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program was established in an effort to encourage the creation of high quality wildlife habitats that support a vast array of local, state, Federal and tribal wildlife populations. This program works directly with landowners and operators in developing wildlife habitat on their property. The entire process is locally driven with contracts ranging from five to ten years. Contracts are available for 15 years as well, depending upon the agreement with the NRCS and the program also allows for shorter-term enrollments based up wildlife emergencies.
The major focus for the program has been placed on improving upland game habitat such as native prairie as well as riparian and aquatic habitat areas. Species that have benefited include: the bobwhite quail, grasshopper sparrow, swift fox, short-eared owl, Karner blue butterfly, gopher tortoise, Louisiana black bear, Eastern collared lizard, Bachman's sparrow, ovenbird, acorn woodpecker, greater sage grouse and salmon.
QUOTES:
"Creation and improvements of wildlife habitat through WHIP helps reserve the damages brought about from land use changes. This program emphasizes enhancements for species with declining populations such as quail, song birds and bog turtles,"
NRCS State Conservationist M. Denise Doetzer
Fast Facts:
- Over 2.3 million acres have been enrolled from 1998-2004
- Only conservation program available to land operators as well as landowners
- Enrollment is on a continuous basis
Timeline:
1996 - Establishment of WHIP authorized by Federal Farm Bill
1998 - First year of enrollment with 14,700 participants
2002 - Reauthorization and expansion of the WHIP
2005 - 450,000 acres enrolled this year
