Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
Ranking cut-offs for WHIP in 2013
Kentucky will have two ranking cut-offs for WHIP in 2013. All applications received prior to the ranking cut-off will be evaluated and considered for WHIP funding in 2013. Application approvals are dependent upon funding availability at the time of ranking cut-off. If no funds are available, applications will be deferred until the next ranking cut-off.
In fiscal year 2013, nationally the focus of WHIP will be on the Working Lands for Wildlife (see below). Persons interested in wildlife habitat management who are not in the WLFW focus area are encouraged to submit an application for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which will include a state wildlife initiative.
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The first WHIP ranking cut-off date is January 18, 2013
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The second WHIP ranking cut-off date is April 19, 2013
Kentucky WHIP Payment Schedule – 2013
EQIP News Release
USDA NRCS in Kentucky Announces 2013 Farm Bill Program Participation
The purpose of the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is to help participants develop fish and wildlife habitat on private agricultural land, nonindustrial private forest land and Indian land. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to landowners and others to develop or enhance upland, wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat areas on their property.
In Kentucky, the primary focus of WHIP is to improve early successional grassland and forestland habitats for declining species and other wildlife. Restoring remnant prairies, planting native grasses/wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, implementing wildlife beneficial forest stand improvements, and creating shallow water areas are some of the eligible practices for the program.
In 2013, it is expected that all WHIP financial assistance will be devoted to the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Initiative.
Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW)
WLFW focuses conservation dollars and wildlife expertise on the recovery of certain at-risk, threatened or endangered wildlife species while helping other vulnerable and game species that depend on similar habitat. Nationwide, seven species have been identified for the WLFW. In Kentucky, the Golden-winged Warbler (pictured right) is the species of concern for parts of three Kentucky counties including Bell, Letcher, and Harlan.
Accepting Applications
WHIP applications are accepted through a continuous sign-up process. Sign-up is conducted at local USDA Service Centers. NRCS periodically announces cutoff dates when applications are ranked for funding. NRCS encourages customers to apply at any time. The first cut-off date to rank applications is January 18, 2013. Any applications received after this date will be held until the next ranking period which is set for April 19, 2013.
More Information
Golden-Winged Warbler Fact Sheet
Deena Wheby, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
Phone: 859-224-7403
e-mail: deena.wheby@ky.usda.gov
