WHIP & WRP Update

1. WHIP & WRP Update Harry Slawter Acting Director, WWD

2. 15-YEAR AGREEMENTS • Policy posted--CPM 517.40 • Up to 100% cost-share available to develop critical habitat for Federal and State species of concern • Up to 15% of a State’s allocation may be utilized for these longer agreements (at least 15 years) • Provides a tool for landowners interested in Safe Harbor agreements

3. WHIP Technical Issues • Practice standards for new and innovative practices need to be developed • Existing practices, when utilized under WHIP, need to be reviewed to ensure that wildlife habitat is the primary benefit • Credible wildlife habitat benefits must be achieved and public benefits realized

4. 2003 WHIP Challenges • WHIP funded at over $20 million • Focus WHIP where critical habitat needs can be met • Integrate effectively with other priorities--e.g., drought & water quality • Program growth through 2007 • Updating State WHIP plans • Review activity

5. Program Management--WRP • Allocations • Ranking & caps • Managing slippage funds • Utilizing “Partnership TA” • Easement costs • Wetland Database & Wetland Easement Toolkit • Maintaining current web info

6. 2003 WRP Challenges • TA/FA • Special Projects • Counties approaching enrollment ceiling • Compatible uses & management • Focus on restoration • WREP

7. Other Important Changes • 340 GM, Part 413--Status Reviews • 120 GM, Part 404--Long Term Contracting • Use of Technical Service Providers • Adjusted Gross Income Limitation