WHIP Process
Purpose
of the program:
Landowner wants to install practices to benefit wildlife on his/her land.
This program can take time before results are seen, it is not intended
for a landowner who wants to do something immediately.
Cost
shared Practices (2005):
-Tree/Shrub Establishment, Riparian Forrest Buffers, Hedgerow Planting,
and Native Grass Plantings.
-Practices are cost shared at 75% of OUR estimated cost from the Cost
List. This means that if we think the project will cost $1,000.00 the
cost share will be $750.00 if the landowner spends $2,000.00 then that
is more money out of their pocket. WE WILL ONLY PAY 75% OF OUR COST.
Eligibility:
Most types of land are eligible including agricultural and non agricultural
lands, woodlots, pastureland, and stream banks. The only requirement is
that the land that the practices will be implemented on must have a farm
and tract number through the Farm Service Agency. The landowner, not tenant,
or operator must sign this paperwork, unless the aforementioned has Power
of Attorney for the landowner.
Process:
Step 1: Make sure that land meets the eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Landowner signs the application form
Step 3: If all eligibility requirements are met then NRCS will create
a plan for the project.
Step 4: The application will be sent to the NRCS state office to be ranked.
Step 5: The application will compete against all other applications in
the state for funding.
Step 6: The NRCS state office will notify the field office if the application
will be funded.
Step 7: If not funded the application can be deferred to the next sign-up
period. If it is funded NRCS field office staff will create a contract
for the project.
Step 8: The landowner will come in to the office to sign the finalized
contract.
Step 9: After the contract is signed the landowner has 1 year to begin
the first practice of the contract.
Step 10: When a practice is complete the landowner will bring in his/her
receipts/bills for the practice and sign an AD-1245 then NRCS can process
his/her payment.