LORAIN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is a USDA cost-share program that provides funding to private landowners and public entities for the installation of conservation practices with the primary purpose of improving wildlife habitat.
Land with the potential to be improved as wildlife habitat is eligible. Applicants need to establish USDA program eligibility. Participants can receive cost-sharing of up to 75% of established average costs.

Applications are accepted for WHIP at anytime at the NRCS office. The cut-off for the application funding cycle is usually during the winter months. Applicants are selected based on a ranking scale that evaluates potential improvement to wildlife habitat and threatened and endangered species.
Once applicants are selected for funding a conservation plan and contract are developed. Engineering plans are drawn up for conservation practices. Projects can usually begin the following summer.
On the average approximately $10,000 in WHIP funds are secured annually in Lorain County.
CONSERVATION PRACTICES AVAILABLE FOR FUNDING THROUGH WHIP

For additional information contact Karl Schneider at the address above.
