USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Landowners may apply for WHIP at any time. However, applications received by January 29 will be evaluated and considered for the 2010 program year. Applications received after that date will be held until the next evaluation period.

WHIP provides land users an opportunity to improve wildlife habitat. The program provides financial incentives for installing eligible practices on land they own or control. The land user must devote at least 10 acres to eligible wildlife practices. 

In Kentucky, the primary focus of WHIP is to improve early successional and forestland habitats for declining species and other wildlife. Restoring remnant prairies, planting native grasses, shrubs and trees are some of the eligible practices for the program. Other eligible practices include implementing forest stand improvements and creating shallow water areas. Excluding livestock from sensitive streams and woodlands is also an important focus under Kentucky’s 2010 WHIP. Since WHIP focuses on improvement to wildlife cover, food plots are not eligible under the program.

WHIP applications are evaluated and ranked to determine which applications provide the most beneficial habitats. For more information about the program, call the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 1-800-858-1549 and ask for the name and telephone number of the private lands biologist serving your area.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.