[20070209]RS22603_野生动物栖息地奖励计划：现状和当前问题.pdf

1 See also CRS Report RL32940, Agriculture Conservation Programs: A Scorecard, by JeffreyZinn and Tadlock Cowan.Order Code RS22603February 9, 2007Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program: Status and Current IssuesMegan StubbsPresidential Management FellowResources, Science, and Industry DivisionJeffrey ZinnSpecialist in Natural Resources PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryThe Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program thatprovides technical and financial assistance to eligible participants to improve anddevelop wildlife habitat and enhance wildlife populations. Participants enter intocontracts, usually 5 to 10 years in duration, with the U.S. Department of Agricultures(USDAs) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which pays up to 75% ofthe contract implementation cost. Since its enactment in the 1996 farm bill, WHIP hasenrolled more than 3.6 million acres through 24,200 contracts. Eligible acreage includesprivate, tribal, nonprofit, and state and federal land. As the 110th Congress considers the2007 farm bill, it may explore several issues about WHIP, including an ongoing backlogof applications, species-specific funding, and program con