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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) in Hawaii

Fiscal Year 2003 Program Highlights

Focus on Native, Threatened and Endangered Species Habitats

WHIP in Hawaii will concentrate on the following habitats:

  • Native forests/riparian areas adjacent or connected to a native forest reserve, wildlife refuge, or other preserved forest/riparian areas
  • Coastal habitats that support rare plants, seabirds, monk seals, or turtles
  • Streams with native organisms
  • Anchialine Pools
  • Endangered waterbird and migratory bird habitat
  • Threatened/Endangered Species Habitat (vertebrates, invertebrates, plants)
  • Wetlands (taro loi with endangered waterbird potential, Montane bogs, coastal wetlands)
  • Caves with Rare Species
WHIP will reimburse landowners/lessees up to 75% of the cost of the conservation practices planned. There are hold-down rates for practices. Typically, contracts are 5 to 10 years. At least one cost-share practice must be started the first year. There is no maximum funding cap.

Fiscal Year 2003 sign-up period
begins now and ends January 24, 2003.

Sign Up Process

NRCS is taking applications from now until January 24, 2003. The process involves some paperwork but is relatively easy:
    1. Sign up using the Application for Long-Term Contracted Assistance, form AD-1153, at any NRCS Field or State Office.
    2. Talk with NRCS Field or State Office staff to determine eligibility:
      • Will your proposed project benefit native wildlife?
      • Do you have title or a long term (minimum 5 year) lease? (You must submit proof.)
      • Are there structural practices (e.g. alien invasive species control, fencing, native tree planting, waterbird habitat restoration activities) planned?
      • Will you agree to continue wildlife management practices for the life of the contract?
    3. If all of the answers in 2 were "yes", work with NRCS staff to rank your project and develop a project bid.

Check out our web site to obtain forms and details:
http://www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/whip.html


01/15/03