SPOKANE, Wash. (June 6, 2008) – Washington landowners interested in developing or improving wildlife habitat have until June 27 to apply for cost-share assistance through USDA’s Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today.

WHIP is a national program administered by NRCS that provides technical and financial assistance to non-federal landowners and tribes for developing, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Landowners receive assistance through five to ten-year contracts. Last year, Washington’s landowners qualified for nearly $600,000 in cost-share assistance through the program.

According to NRCS State Conservationist Gus Hughbanks, WHIP program funds in Washington will be used on land where fish and wildlife habitat has been affected by agricultural activities, urban development or invasive species. “The objectives of the program are to provide technical assistance and cost-share payments to eligible participants, and provide education on wildlife needs and how these needs are being addressed through WHIP demonstration sites and success stories,” Hughbanks said.

Previous WHIP habitat improvement activities in Washington have included shrub-steppe restoration, native prairie restoration, in-stream fish improvement, riparian restoration and upland wildlife habitat improvement.

Hughbanks encourages landowners who are interested to contact their local NRCS office. Applications received by June 27 will be ranked and prioritized and considered for 2008 funding. For the location of your local NRCS office, visit the NRCS website at www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov or call 509-323-2900.

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