2009 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for private landowners to develop and improve high quality habitat that supports wildlife populations of National, State, Tribal, and local significance. Through WHIP, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance. WHIP agreements generally last from 5 to 10 years.

NRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round; however, applications for WHIP must be made by March 13, 2009 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2009. Applications made after the application deadline will be considered in the next funding cycle.

Montana Youth for Wildlife is a special initiative designed to specifically expose Montana's youth to natural resource concerns for fish and wildlife and their habitat needs. The initiative provides an opportunity for our youth to be involved in assessing and improving habitat needs for fish and wildlife species in the state.

The Montana WHIP State Plan is the result of a collaborative effort by the Wildlife and Wetlands Working Group of the State Technical Advisory Committee. The plan describes objectives and priorities for WHIP in Montana.

WHIP Projects in Montana

The following stories describe how some Montana residents are using WHIP and NRCS expertise to help make their lands healthier and more productive.

• Earth Team Volunteers Help Complete WHIP Tree Planting Project
• Hutterite Colony, NRCS Work Together to Benefit Wildlife
• Managing for Wildlife Habitat and Agricultural Sustainability
• Rest Rotation Grazing System Benefits Land, Wildlife
• Stream Restoration for Wildlife Habitat
• Students Spearhead Stream Restoration Project

Prior-Year WHIP (Archives)

• 2008 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Information Archival Purposes Only
• 2007 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Information Archival Purposes Only

For More Information

For more information and updates about the WHIP, please refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site, the national NRCS Web site, or contact one of the Montana NRCS personnel listed below.

Contacts

Jeff Combs, Program Specialist
Phone: 406-587-6795
Email: Jeffrey.Combs

Carrie Mosley, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
Phone: 406-587-6967
Email: Carrie.Mosley

Last Modified: 02/05/2009