The USDA and the participant will enter into a cost-share agreement for wildlife habitat development. The agreement will generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed. Under this agreement:
- the landowner agrees to install and maintain the WHIP practices and allow the NRCS or its agent access to monitor the effectiveness of the practices
- The USDA agrees to provide technical assistance and pay up to 75% of the cost of installing the wildlife habitat practices
Cost-share payments may be used to establish new practices or replace practices that fail beyond the landowner's control. WHIP funds cannot be used for mitigation or on land designated as converted wetland.
Cost-share incentives vary from 75% of the landowner's costs, up to a maximum total cost-share of $10,000 per contract per fiscal year.
Whip Funding
Under the 2002 Farm Bill, 15% of annual WHIP funds will be provided as increased cost-share payments to producers to protect and restore essential plant and animal habitat using agreements with a duration of at least 15 years.
The WHIP may be implemented in cooperation with other Federal, State, or local agencies, conservation districts, or private conservation groups. State priorities are developed through a locally led process that identifies wildlife resource needs and finalized in consultation with the State Technical Committee.