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The Landowner Incentive Program was a federally
funded grant program that helps private landowners to manage and
restore habitat for at-risk species on their land. In Wisconsin,
40 projects in 16 counties have helped manage or restore 1,500 acres
of privately owned habitat.
Funding for the Landowner Incentive Program was completely cut in
the 2008 Interior Appropriations Bill, which passed in December
2007.
Some facts about the Landowner Incentive Program in Wisconsin
* Since 2006, 40 Restoration/Management projects have been
initiated in 16 Wisconsin counties.
* More than 1,500 acres of privately owned Prairie and Savanna
habitat is being actively restored and/or managed. This contribution is
highly significant when considered against Wisconsin's estimated
remaining of 8000 acres of prairie and 500 acres of oak savanna.
* The management required to maintain and restore these systems is
being conducted for ~$179.00/acre. This is in part a result of private
landowners doing a significant portion of the work themselves with
technical assistance from LIP biologists.
* Direct, on-the ground benefits to 138 at-risk species, including
5 Federally Listed species, 51 State Listed species, 69 State special
concern species, and 13 Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
* LIP is 100% voluntary. More than $600,000 in requests from Wisconsin landowners for
funding annually, and since LIP requires a 25 % minimum cost-share on
the part of the applicant, this represents a voluntary offer of at least
$200,000 towards conservation from the pockets of Wisconsin citizens.
* These projects range from 1.5 acres in size to 150 acres,
demonstrating that LIP is accessible to a wide range of landowners.
* LIP biologists provide technical assistance to private
landowners regardless of their funding status, including education,
networking with other programs, and personal consultations or site
visits.
Past Updates
Policy Update
- October 11, 2007
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