Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed.

WHIP has proven to be a highly effective and widely accepted program across the country. By targeting wildlife habitat projects on all lands and aquatic areas, WHIP provides assistance to conservation minded landowners who are unable to meet the specific eligibility requirements of other USDA conservation programs.

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 reauthorized WHIP as a voluntary approach to improving wildlife habitat in our Nation. Program administration of WHIP is provided under the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Program Information

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Fact Sheet (47.05 KB) New
Question and Answers (38.12 KB) New
Program Description (50.13 KB) New
Key Points (46.79 KB) New
Federal Regulation, 7 CFR 636, July 24, 2002 Revised final rule that includes changes to WHIP through the 2002 Farm Bill (33 KB)

• Federal Regulation, September 19, 1997 (84 KB)
• Contacts
• WHIP Signup Information
• NRCS Policy
• NRCS Wildlife Habitat Management Institute
• WHIP Photo Gallery

Program Accomplishments and Success Stories

• 2001 State Accomplishments and Reports
• 1999 State Accomplishments and Reports
• 1998 State Accomplishments and Reports
• State Programs, Reports, and Accomplishments
• FY 2001 State Fact Sheets

WHIP Contract and Funding Information

• FY-2002 Unfunded Application Information
• FY-2002 Contract Information
• FY-2003 Allocation Information
• FY-2003 Contract Information New!
• FY-2003 Unfunded Application Information New!
• FY-2004 Allocation Information New!

Program Contact

Albert Cerna,  202-690-3501