Cost-Share Programs

EQIP CRP WHIP/WILD (State) NSWCP Urban Forestry Well Abandonment Fund Pheasants Forever Wildlife Shelterbelt SIP Wetland Initiative Program WHIP/WILD (USDA)

EQIP:

• Critical conservation concerns decided by local citizens are targeted. Technical assistance is provided and incentives paid to operators who enter into 5-10 year contracts. The majority of the funds are targeted toward priority areas. Applications for EQIP may be obtained by contacting either NRCS, FSA, NRD, or Cooperative Extension.

CRP:

• Two different sign-ups are available, both working to protect environmentally sensitive land. The general sign-up offers cost-share for grass seedlings, tree practices, wildlife habitat, diversions, erosion control structures, and wetland restoration. It is best to check with your NRCS office for sign-up dates. The continuous sign-up is available any time during the year, and offers cost-share for certain high priority conservation practices.

WHIP/WILD (State):

• This is a cooperative program involving the NGPC and the NRD. The purpose is to create new wildlife habitat or enhance existing habitat on private lands. Cost-share is available with annual payments, requires a minimum of five acres and a 5-10 year contract.

NSWCP:

• A state funded cost-share program administered by the local NRD for soil and water conservation practices. NRCS provides technical assistance.

Urban Forestry:

• Twin Platte NRD, in cooperation with participating communities, provides incentives for persons in urban areas to plant up to two trees. Financial assistance of up to 50%; will not exceed $50 per tree.

Well Abandonment Fund:

• Twin Platte NRD provides financial assistance of up to 65% of the cost to seal a well to prevent pollutants from entering the ground water.

Pheasants Forever:

• Incentives to provide for the creation and enhancement of wildlife habitat, including providing food plots, nesting cover, wetland restoration, shelterbelts, and existing habitat protection.

Wildlife Shelterbelt:

• NGPC promotes creating shelterbelts to improve wildlife habitat. Financial assistance is available, with a minimum time requirement of at least a 20 year contract.

SIP:

• The NFS provides cost share to help private landowners plant, protect, and enhance their forest and related resources. Eligible practices include tree planting, forest improvement, windbreak establishment and renovation, riparian improvement, and wildlife habitat improvement. Minimum enrollment is one acre.

Wetland Initiative Program:

• Offers landowners an opportunity to protect, restore, enhance, and create shallow water wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl and wildlife on their property. NGPC reimburses 100% for the development costs under approved development projects.

WHIP/WILD (USDA):

• A voluntary program to improve wildlife and fish habitat on private lands. Priorities include riparian area restoration, native prairie renovation, and native grassland establishment with habitats predominately in irrigated cropland areas. Cost-share is available with a minimum of a 10 year contract.