Landowner Assistance Programs

Landowner- Assistance Programs

Stewardship Enhancement Agencies/Organizations
Cost -Share Payment/Direct Payment/Revenue Programs
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)	Description CRP provides annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term vegetative cover to imprve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat on eligible farmland, helping landowners safeguard environmentally sensitive areas. There is a general (CRP) and continuous (CCRP) sign-up. Benefits to Landowner Landowner can receive annual payments, cost-share payments, and technical assistance. Costs to Landowner Landowner must pay for at least 50% of the costs of establishing practice. Needed maintenance practices may also be eligible for 50% cost-share. Agreement Participants who sign up for CRP agree to do so for 10 to 15 years. Initiation Contact local FSA/NRCS office.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)	Description This program provides cost-share payments for implementing management practices that control wind erosion on farmlands, rehabilitating farms impacted by natural disasters (e.g. floods, hurricanes, etc.), and conserving water during severe droughts. In most case, this funding source is only available after officially recognized natural disasters. Benefits to Landowner Financial assistance for implementing management activities that conserve soil and water resources. Costs to Landowner Landowners are responsible for paying for a portion of the costs associated with implementing soil and water conservation measures. Agreement Participants agree to continue practices for at least 10 years after installation. Initiation Contact local FSA/NRCS office.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)	Description This program provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers which promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. EQIP activities are carried out according to an environmental quality incentives program plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns. Benefits to Landowner Landowners may receive up to 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. However, limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for cost-shares up to 90 percent. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified third-party provider for technical assistance. Costs to Landowner Typically landowners are required to pay 25 to 50% of the management practices. Agreement A minimum term that ends one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practices and a maximum term of ten years. Initiation Applications for this program are available at local NRCS offices.
Fish Stocking for Private Ponds	Description Landowners wanting to obtain fish to stock ponds that have recently been constructed or drained can obtain bass or brim Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive stocking fish at a lower cost at the appropriate stocking rates and times. Costs to Landowner The costs are as follows: $100/pond acre for a fertilized pond $50/pond acre for a non-fertilized pond 100 bass/1,000 brim per acre for fertilized setting 50 bass/500 brim per acre for non-fertilized setting Initiation Landowner must complete pond stocking application and send in to section office before February 1 each year.
Forest Lands Enhancement Program (FLEP)	Description FLEP is available for all NIPF land owners. The cost-share practices are limited to the treatment of 1,000 acres per year with an aggregate payment not to exceed $100,000 for the life of this Farm Bill. A waiver for the treatment of up to 5,000 acres is available if significant public benefit is shown. The waiver is granted through the State Forester and approved by the Regional Forester. There is no limit to the amount of forest land owned by an individual as long as the person qualifies as a NIPF owner. This program works in conjunction with the Forest Stewardship Program. Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive financial assistance for the costs of implementing recommended management activities. Costs to Landowner Landowners must pay for a portion of the management activities funded by FLEP. Agreement Landowner must maintain practices for ten years. Initiation Contact State Forestry Commission.
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)	Description This program helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands. Land is enrolled into 10, 15, 20, or 30-year rental agreements. Benefits to Landowner Rental payments provide landowner with additional income for land dedicated to pasture and grassland. These practices help protect water quality, reduce soil erosion, improve wildlife habitat, enhance recreational opportunities, and increase aesthetic value of the land and surrounding area. Costs to Landowner The landowner is responsible for any management activities they wish to implement. Agreement Depends on length landowner chooses to agree to. Initiation Contact the local NRCS office.
Landowner Incentive Program (LIP)	Description This program establishes and supplements state programs to provide landowners with incentives to protect and restore habitats on private lands that benefit "at risk" species. These species are listed on the Alabama Natural Heritage Program database. Benefits to Landowners Typically this grant will cover 75% of the cost of implementation, although it might cover more. Landowners are offered technical assistance in managing for and protecting species that are on the ANHP list. Costs to Landowners Federal guidelines require that the landowner or a non-federal source pay for at least 25% of the cost of implementing mangement/conservation efforts. Agreement Timeline is variable depending on each specific grant request. Initiation Contact Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or go to .
Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW)	Description This program encourages landowners to restore and enhance ecosystems and to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Prirorities include migratory birds, anadromous fish, and threatened ecosystems. Some past projects include: blocking drainage ditches, breaking tile drains, creating shallow water areas to promote wetland habitat, recreating stream meanders, and prescribed burning among others. Benefits to Landowners Landowners can receive technical assistance as well as up to 100% of the costs for implementing wildlife habitat restoration. Agreement Usually the landowner or a non-government entity is asked to cover 50% of the costs, however this ratio is flexible and the USFWS can opt to cover all expenses. Initiation Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in your area.
Private Stewardship Grants Program	Description Landowners can apply for competitive grants which focus on management activities that advance the recovery of threatened and endangered species. These species can be either federally listed or can be listed on the Alabama Natural Heritage Program. To get a list of Alabama "at-risk" species, contact the Alabama Natural Heritage Program. Benefits to Landowner Financial assistance for management activities which will benefit threatened and endangered species. Costs to Landowner Landowner is responsible for at least 10% of the cost of implementing habitat improvements. Agreement There is no set term, however, projects will be rated based on the length of benefit to target species. The longer the benefit, the greater the value of the project. Initiation Contact the local USFWS office.
Rural Abandoned Mine Program (RAMP)	Description The program provides technical and financial assistance to land users who voluntarily enter into 5- to 10-year contracts for reclamation of up to 320 acres of eligible abandoned coal-mined lands and waters. The land user with NRCS technical assistance involved prepares a reclamation plan. Benefits to Landowners The NRCS will provide anywhere between 25-100% of the cost of implementing reclamation practices. Costs to Landowners Landowners are required to pay the difference in the cost of reclamation. Agreement Landowner would enter into a 5-10 year contract. Initiation Contact Mason Collar, 334-887-4574, 3381 Skyway Drive, P.O. Box 311, Auburn, AL 36830.
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)	Description The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to eligible landowners to restore, enhance, and protect wetlands. Landowners have the option of enrolling eligible lands through permanent easements, 30-year easements, or restoration cost-share agreements. The program is offered on a continuous sign-up basis and is available Nationwide. This program offers landowners an opportunity to establish, at minimal cost, long-term conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement practices and protection. The program offers three enrollment options: Permanent Easement. Easement payments for this option equal the lowest of three amounts: the agricultural value of the land, an established payment cap, or an amount offered by the landowner. In addition to paying for the easement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pays 100 percent of the costs of restoring the wetland. 30-Year Easement. Easement payments through this option are 75 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement. USDA also pays up to 75 percent of restoration costs. For both permanent and 30-year easements, USDA pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance. Restoration Cost-share Agreement. This is an agreement (generally for a minimum of 10 years) to re-establish degraded or lost wetland functions and values. USDA pays up to 75 percent of the cost of the restoration activity. This enrollment option does not place an easement on the property. For all enrollment options, other agencies and private conservation organizations may provide additional incentives as a way to reduce the landowner’s share of the costs. Such special partnership efforts are encouraged. Benefits to Landowner Landowner receives financial and technical assistance for restoring and protecting wetland values and functions. Costs to Landowner Landowners pay 25% of the costs associates with management activities under the 30 year easement and 10 year restoration agreement. Agreement Variable: 10 or 30 year easements and permanent easements. Initiation Apply at local NRCS offices continuously.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)	Description This program promotes the creation, maintenance, and protection of significant high quality wildlife habitats with a focus on habitats supporting rare and threatened species. Benefits to Landowner Landowner may receive money to implement habitat improvement or protection. In-kind and technical assistance in the form of a wildlife habitat plan, monitoring practices, reviewing management guidelines, providing basic biological and engineering advice. Costs to Landowner Landowner or non-governmental entity must pay 25% of the cost of the program. Landowners voluntarily give up certain uses on property for a given period of time. Agreement Typically 5 to 10 years, with a maximum of 15 years. Initiation Apply at local NRCS office at any time.