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The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for landowners who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat on their property. Participants work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to prepare a wildlife habitat development plan in consultation with the local conservation district. The plan details the landowner’s goals for improving wildlife habitat, including a list of practices and a schedule for installing them, and details the steps to maintain the habitat for the life of the agreement. This plan may or may not be part of a larger conservation plan that addresses other resource needs such as water quality and soil erosion. WHIP can be used to restore aquatic habitat, as well as, adjacent streambanks and uplands.

To be eligible, at least one acre must be designated for wildlife habitat improvement. NCRS and the participant enter into a cost-share agreement for wildlife habitat development. This agreement generally lasts five to ten years. Under the agreement, the landowner agrees to install and maintain WHIP practices and NRCS agrees to provide technical assistance and pay up to 75% of the costs for installing wildlife habitat practices. There is continuous sign-up for the WHIP program.

339 Busch’s Frontage Road Suite 301

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

410 –757-0861

This page was last updated 01/05/01

       The Forest Conservancy District Board for Baltimore County

9405 Old Harford Road

Baltimore, Maryland 21234

(410) 665-5820 

Email Robert Prenger ....... rprenger@dnr.state.md.us

 Melvin Noland ....... mlnoland@bcpl.net