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Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program

What is WHIP?

The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (The Farm Bill) authorized the establishment of the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). WHIP is a voluntary program to assist landowners in creating, restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat primarily on private lands. It provides both technical assistance and cost-share payments to help establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat.

How Does WHIP Work?

In order to develop and implement a WHIP Program in Rhode Island, a statewide WHIP Plan was developed. The state plan objectives are to improve wildlife habitats in the state using an ecosystem management approach through:

  • Restoration of significantly important natural habitats, and
  • Proper management of human influenced habitats, such as agricultural land.

What Type of Habitats are Eligible in Rhode Island?

  • Coastal Wetlands & Eelgrass Meadows
  • Freshwater wetlands & Riparian Buffers
  • Fish Passage Restoration
  • Early Successional Upland Habitats-Native Grasslands

Who is eligible to participate?

To participate, a person must either own the land on which WHIP will be implemented, or have control and possession of the land for the duration of the WHIP contract. The land cannot be owned by a federal agency or have on-site or off-site conditions that would undermine the successful reestablishment of habitat development practices.

When and how can I apply?

To apply, simply call 401-828-1300 or walk in and ask for a WHIP application, fill it out and mail it back to: USDA NRCS, 60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46, Warwick, RI 02886.

How Will WHIP Requests Be Handled?

Each potential WHIP project will be evaluated and prioritized using the RI WHIP ranking system. The ranking system criteria will evaluate each project based on its ecological, economic, and social benefits. If your project is approved for funding you will be notified. A Wildlife Habitat Development Plan will be developed within the next 60 days for approved projects.

What is a wildlife habitat development plan?

The Plan describes the landowner’s goals for improving wildlife habitat, includes a list of practices and a schedule for installing them, and details the steps necessary to maintain the habitat for the life of the agreement. This plan may or may not be part of a larger conservation plan that addresses other resource needs such as water quality and soil erosion.

How Does Cost-Sharing Work?

Cost-share assistance will be used to implement the practices contained in the Wildlife Habitat Development Plan. NRCS will cost-share up to 75% of the cost of installing or implementing a practice. Some practices are paid at a flat rate. If a practice fails for reasons beyond a participant’s control (such as drought of flood), cost-share assistance may be available for the reestablishment of the necessary practices.

How Can I Learn More About WHIP?

Questions about the WHIP Program may be addressed to:
 

Michael Moorman, Assistant State Conservationist - Programs
USDA NRCS
60 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886
phone: (401) 822-8820
michael.moorman@ri.usda.gov