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2008 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program in Connecticut


What Is WHIP?

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is intended to help landowners implement practices to maintain or establish wildlife habitat. WHIP is a cost-share program that will reimburse participants up to 75% of the cost for planned conservation practices. Typically, contracts are 5-10 years in length, and in some cases, 15-year contracts can be developed. At least one cost-share practice must be started within the first 12 months after signing the contract. There is no maximum funding cap. Applications are funded on a competitive basis, statewide, and are dependent upon available funding.

What Type of Areas Qualify?
  • Grasslands
  • Old Fields
  • Early Successional Woodlands
  • Riparian Areas
  • Streams and Rivers
  • Wetlands (tidal and non-tidal)
  • State Identified Imperiled Habitats
  • Shallow and Deep Water Habitats
How Do I Sign-Up?

NRCS is now taking applications (the deadline for consideration of Fiscal Year 2008 applications has not yet been determined). Applicants are required to:

  • Sign up using Conservation Agreement Form CCC-1200
  • Work with NRCS and Farm Service Agency (FSA) personnel to identify property
  • Work with NRCS and FSA to determine participant eligibility
  • Work with NRCS field staff to evaluate the property and develop a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan (WHDP)
Application Considerations:
  • Minimum acreage: 1 acre upland; ¼ acre wetland or riparian, or imperiled habitat of any size
  • Compliance with USDA Farm Bill provisions required
  • A certified Forest Stewardship Plan must be in place for all woodland clearing applications
  • Average Adjusted Gross Income compliance required
  • Funds cannot be used for mitigation
Whom Do I Contact for More Information

Contact your local USDA Service Center.

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