Landowners can receive money for improving their property for wildlife Frankfort – Money is available for landowners or managers who want to improve their property for wildlife. Funding comes through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, or WHIP, and applications are now being accepted. Improving the fields and forests for wildlife can be as simple as putting trees and shrubs in the ground, planting certain types of grasses, or fencing cattle away from creeks and thickets. The incentive program helps pay for these improvements. To participate, you must own or control the property and be willing to improve 10 acres or more. Since the program is about growing a home for wildlife rather than feeding animals, food plots are not eligible. Funding for projects is competitive, with the best applications considered first. Anyone interested in the 2007 incentives program should apply by Jan. 31, 2007. To find out more about the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and how it can work for you, call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources toll free at (800) 858-1549 and ask for the name of the private lands biologist serving your area. Biologists are also listed on the department’s Web site at fw.ky.gov. The biologist can explain the program in detail. Applications for the wildlife habitat program are now being accepted at Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices throughout the state. To find your nearest office, visit www.ky.nrcs.usda.gov/contact on the Internet.
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