Farm Bill Programs
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
Purpose of Program
- The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program is a voluntary program that encourages the creation of high quality upland, wetland, riparian and aquatic wildlife habitat
- Priority is given to species with declining populations and wildlife and fishery projects that further state, regional, or national habitat goals and priority habitats.
Eligibility
- Landowners must own or have control of the land for the length of the agreement
- Land can be private agricultural land, tribal land, or nonindustrial private forest land.
- Land enrolled in CRP, WRP, WBP, or EWPP floodplain easements is not eligible
Cost-Share
- Contract Period is for 5 or 10 years with 15 year agreements available on essential plant and animal habitats
- Cost Share cannot exceed $25,000 per agreement in Texas, $50,000 nationally.
- Payments - NRCS will pay up to 75% of the cost of installing the practice.
Application Process
- WHIP is run by NRCS
- Applications can be filed year round at local NRCS/USDA Service Centers and Conservation District Offices
- Applications are ranked once each year (usually midsummer) with available money going to the top ranked applicants
Common WHIP Practices
- Wildlife Upland Habitat Management
- Brush Management
- Range Seeding
- Prescribed Burning
- Fencing
- Livestock Exclusion
- Wetland Development or Restoration
Additional Links:
- Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) - Contact information from the US Dept. of Agriculture Service Center Locator for Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies.
- Texas State Water and Soil Conservation Board - Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts Locator Map and information.
- Farm Service Agency - FSA website for Texas Farm Service Agency Directory.