Lots of Incentives for Using Natives on Your Farm
The Farm Bill 2002 provides unprecedented incentives for conservation,
and most programs give preference to plans that use natives to achieve
conservation goals. There are also a number of nongovernment organization
(NGO) programs that provide incentives for using native plants in habitat
restoration projects. Quail Unlimited is a good example of this.
USDA Farm Bill Programs
- Conservation Reserve Program—up to 50% cost share and annual payments for converting cropland to a less intensive use (new enrollment closed).
- Conservation Security Program—up to 75% cost share and annual payments for plans that install and/or maintain conservation practices on working lands.
- Continuous Conservation Reserve Program—Similar to CRP. Up to 90% cost share with annual and incentive payments for eligible cropland and marginal pastureland.
- Environmental Quality Incentive Program—In most cases, farmers will be limited to 50% cost share and incentive payments for plans that enhance environmental quality.
- Forest Lands Enhancement Program—up to 75% cost share for non-industrial private forest management plans.
- Grassland Reserve Program—up to 90% cost share and annual payments for easements or restorations of grassland.
- Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program—up to 75% cost share for wildlife habitat development plans.
- Wetlands Reserve Program—up to 100% cost share and one-time, up front payment for plans the develop and maintain wetlands.
State Programs
- MDC cost-share is available in all counties in Missouri to help provide additional wildlife benefits on private land.
NGO Programs
- Quail Unlimited (in Missouri) has a Quail Habitat Initiative(QHI) that, in counties where chapters participate, provides funds to do quail habitat restoration. Contact your Private Land Conservationist for more information.
- Missouri Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has a Super Fund program for the restoration of wild turkey habitat on private land.
- Ducks Unlimited has some funding for duck habitat restoration on private land.
