Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

EQIP was established in the 1996 Farm Bill to provide a voluntary conservation program to assist farmers and ranchers who are faced with serious threats to soil, water, and related natural resource concerns. EQIP provides technical, financial, and educational assistance to landowners. Eligible practices include waste storage structures, pasture water supply and fencing practices, erosion control practices and others.

Eligibility

Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pasture, forestland, and other farm or ranch lands. EQIP program participants are encouraged to participate in the Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP) when receiving funding for Livestock Waste and Nutrient Management Practices. LEAP certification increases chances of funding.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

WHIP is a voluntary cost-share program for people who want to improve terrestrial and aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands. The program provides technical and financial assistance for implementing conservation plans to improve wildlife habitat.

Land Eligibility

All lands are eligible except:

Participant Eligibility

Participants who own or have control of land are eligible for WHIP. This includes:

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)

The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) program aims to restore wetlands and permanently protect streams in the county. 75-100% cost share is provided to restore areas that were once wetlands in agricultural areas. Permanent stream protection is achieved through conservation easements. The USDA can reimburse landowners up to $2,000/acre for conservation easements along streams. The easement requires the landowner to make a commitment to leave the stream natural for this payment. Over 2000 acres are currently enrolled in this program in northeast Ohio.

Contact Abby Berndt at the USDA/NRCS at 888-217-3947 for more information on these and many other programs.

Natural Resources Conservation Service website