Federal Funds Available for Wildlife Habitat

Honolulu, October 12, 2005 -- Applications are now being accepted from individuals and entities for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).  Interested landowners and others have until November 16, 2005 to submit their applications to be considered for this ranking period.

            “We’re focusing our conservation efforts in Hawaii and American Samoa on treating identified wildlife priority habitats,” says Lawrence Yamamoto, State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

            “For WHIP, financial cost-share assistance funds are available to those who are willing to implement conservation measures which treat the targeted natural resource concerns on their land,” said Yamamoto.  “Projects that install conservation measures on lands to address the following wildlife priority habitats are being considered: native forests or riparian areas connected to a native forest reserve, wildlife refuge, or other preserved forest/riparian area; coastal habitats that support “rare” plants, seabirds, monk seals, or turtles; streams with native organisms; Anchialine pools; migratory bird habitat; threatened or endangered species habitat (vertebrates, invertebrates, or plants); wetlands with endangered water bird potential; montane bogs; and caves with rare species.”

NRCS will provide technical assistance to help clients design, plan, and implement their conservation measures.  Interested persons or entities are asked to call their local USDA Service Center (Natural Resources Conservation Service field office or Farm Service Agency county office), or Soil and Water Conservation District office for more information.  For program application information visit www.hi.nrcs.usda.gov.  USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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Contact: Gwen Gilbert at (808) 541-2600 ext. 122 in Honolulu.

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