Applications Now Being Accepted For New USDA Wildlife Program

Pennsylvania farmers and forest landowners are urged to sign up now for assistance to protect and restore habitats for the northern bog turtle and golden-winged warbler through the Working Lands for Wildlife Partnership. 

            Applications received by April 30 will be considered in the first round of ranking.

            Working Lands for Wildlife is a new partnership between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Department of Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to enhance natural resources by improving and protecting wildlife habitat.

            Working Lands for Wildlife is funded through USDA’s Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), which shares the cost of conservation practices with landowners in areas known to support one or both of these selected species.

            Examples of conservation practices that improve habitat for bog turtles include wetland restoration, prescribed grazing, brush management, and fencing; and for golden-winged warbler, early successional habitat management.

            Interested producers and landowners in targeted areas can enroll in the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program on a continuous basis at their local NRCS field office, but are encouraged to apply now while funds are available. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

(Reprinted from the April 25 issue of DCNR's Resource online newsletter.)