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, and 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 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WILDLIFE HABITAT PROJECTS SIGN-UP THROUGH APRIL 25

 

 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering a sign-up for agricultural producers interested in wildlife habitat projects.  Of special interest are those that involve wetland restoration and enhancement, riparian buffers, sagebrush and mountain shrub community health, stream restoration and enhancement, riparian buffers, sagebrush and mountain shrub community health, stream restoration, removal of fish barriers or aspen stand regeneration.

 

“We  are interested in hearing from landowners who have wildlife habitat they would like to enhance or restore,” said Xavier Montoya, NRCS State Conservationist.  “By signing  up now, NRCS  will have time to work with landowners to design good projects that have the potential to be funded with our conservation programs at a future date.”

 

Agriculture producers may submit applications for Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) funding to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices through April 25, 2008.  The programs are available on a continuous sign-up basis, and applications received after the April 25 deadline will be deferred and held for consideration at a future date.

 

Applications on file that were not selected for contracts in 2007 may be carried over.  Applicants should contact the local office if they wish to maintain or change their application. 

 

The WHIP and WRP are authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill and are administered by the NRCS.  The WHIP offers landowners financial and technical assistance to develop high quality wildlife habitat on upland, wetland, riparian and aquatic areas.  The WRP offers financial assistance to enhance or restore wetlands through payment incentives, 30-year easements or permanent easements.

 

Applications are available from Ruben Vasquez at the NRCS Field Office located at 408 Howe Road, Laramie Wyoming.  For additional information contact Ruben Vasquez at 745-3698.