The Commission project is using VPA‑HIP funding to create and enhance public access for fishing and boating, as well as other types of outdoor recreation, by offering financial incentives to owners of privately held lands to make their lands available to the public.
Through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is helping state governments encourage private landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation.
“As the Chief of NRCS, one of my top priorities is to expand wildlife conservation and outdoor access; the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program is a key part of our strategy to execute that priority,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “This program – made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act – prioritizes farmers and ranchers while strengthening rural economies through support of wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. These projects encourage landowners to allow the public to access their land for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation.”
The Working Families Tax Cuts Act restored funding for VPA-HIP, enabling NRCS to offer the competitive grant program for state governments.
Projects are up to three years. Selected projects will receive from $1.5 to $3 million in funding. Project sponsors can use up to 25% of funds to provide incentives to landowners to improve wildlife habitat on enrolled public access program lands.
Click Here for the USDA announcement.
Visit the USDA NRCS-PA webpage for more information on landowner financial and technical assistance available.
[Posted: August 3, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment