Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, EQIP is a statewide voluntary federal program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers (including landowners with forest land) through federal contracts. EQIP offers help in planning and financial assistance for implementing a broad array of practices to conserve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources. For wildlife, participants can apply for a variety of practices including the planting of native warm season grasses and wildflowers, tree and shrub establishment, prescribed burning and firebreaks, pre-commercial thinning, invasive species treatments, and so much more. Contracts are generally less than three years in length. To determine eligibility and begin the process, contact your local Private Lands Biologist today!