Public Incentive Programs

Four major cost-sharing programs are available to Great Plains landowners to improve established woodlands and to create new woodlands or special use plantings for wildlife.

Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP)

The SIP is designed to improve forest resources of individual states and is administered by each state forestry agency. Specific practices include; encouraging reforestation and afforestation; establishing, maintaining, and renovating windbreaks and hedgerows; and improving wildlife habitat.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

The CRP emphasizes removing highly erodible cropland from production and curbing surplus commodities. Cost-sharing was available for various tree planting practices including; permanent wildlife habitat, windbreaks, erosion control, and vegetative filter strips.

Great Plains Conservation Program (GPCP)

Congress authorized the GPCP in 1956 to help stabilize the economy and improve agriculture. The program, administered by the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is authorized to share with landowners 50 to 80 percent of the cost to establish various conservation measures. Covered practices include wildlife tree and shrub establishment, windbreaks, and block tree planting.

Some states have programs that supplement federal incentives and often include cost-sharing programs to address local issues. In some states, tax incentives are used to encourage various practices.

A number of private sources fund conservation efforts. Two widely recognized sources in the Great Plains are Pheasants Forever and Quail Unlimited, both of which furnish funds to assist with installation of wildlife habitat or food plots.

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)

The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program offering landowners a chance to receive payments for restoring and protecting wetlands. There are three options giving landowners more flexibility in managing their land.

Eligible land can be entered into permanent easements, 30 year easements, or restoration cost-share agreements.

Permanent easements have been offered in previous WRP sign-ups and are offered again with no change. Thirty year easements are similar to permanent easements, however, the easements will expire at the end of 30 years. Restoration cost-share agreements, do not have a land payment and do not involve recorded easements; however, there is financial assistance for wetland restoration practices.