Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)

The WHIP program is one of the major programs provided by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The purpose of this program is to promote the establishment and proper management of wildlife habitat. This program has several Best Management Practices (BMP) to improve habitat or develop habitat for specific species management.

 

NRCS in Tennessee will be providing 75% cost-share on a number of practices that will help create ideal habitat for wildlife. WHIP also has its own ranking process. The ranking process involves asking a series of questions to calculate a score for the applicant. The highest scored applicants are funded first until the money runs out. The ranking questions are designed to help find the most cost effective way to develop ideal habitat for wildlife. For more information concerning WHIP and to find an application please go to the following link. http://www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/WHIP/WHIP2.html

Non-Discrimination Statement: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

· Turn in an application to our office and make sure your records are up to date with the Farm Service Agency.

· We schedule a field visit of farm.

· We meet on the farm and discuss your concerns and our concerns.

· We develop a plan to address all concerns.

· Submit any permit or design requests needed to complete the plan.

· Once all permits and designs are received, we search for the funding pool that will best suit your concerns, then we rank the application.

· The application is then entered into the system with a ranking score.

· Once funding is released and your application is selected for funding we contact you to begin developing a contract.

· Once a contract is written and signed you can begin work on the project.

· Once a project is complete you will submit for reimbursement.

· We do an inspection of the project to make sure it meets specifications.

· We process the payment request (4-6 week process).

· The payment should be received by direct deposit in the account you specified.

Contact:

Chip Rose

931-363-2675 ext. 108

chip.rose@tn.nacdnet.net