Programs are available to provide cost-share reimbursement to private landowners who are engaged in wildlife habitat related conservation work. Practices such as seeding native grasses and forbs, wetland restoration, woody invasion removal, prescribed fire, early successional habitat creation, and habitat improvements for species of greatest conservation need may be eligible for cost-sharing on private lands. The programs listed below may be able to assist you with conservation work on your lands.

To determine which program may best suit your needs, contact your Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau, Private Lands Biologist.

Habitat Check-Off
Habitat Check-off is an agreement between Iowa DNR, Iowa Pheasants Forever, and the Iowa Native Seed Growers Association (INSGA) that the growers in the Association will donate 10% of their seed sale profits to a fund shared equally between Iowa DNR and Iowa Pheasants Forever. Habitat Check-off Program

Forestry Programs
Practices such as tree planting, forested riparian buffers, forest stand improvement, site preparation for natural regeneration, wildlife habitat improvement, and fencing may be eligible for cost-sharing on private lands. Click here to find out more about programs that fund forestry practices or to contact your Iowa DNR District Forester.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Conservation Reserve Program is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). There are many programs that can help landowner with the cost of wildlife habitat improvements. All Crp programs will pay a landowner an annual rental payment for up to 15 years.

Wetland Restoration Practices include:
Shallow Water Area for Wildlife (CP9)
Wetland Restoration (CP23)
Wetland Restoration Non-Floodplain (CP23A)
Farmable Wetland Program (CP27 - 28)

Grassland Practices include:
Bobwhite Quail and Upland Song Bird Buffers (CP33)

Tree Planting Practices include:
Living Snow Fence (CP17A)

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) includes:
Gaining Ground for Wildlife 
Grand River Grassland  

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
The WHIP program is administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). WHIP provides cost-share reimbursement for wildlife habitat practices. WHIP can cost-share on wildlife practices that improve grassland, woodland, and aquatic habitat. Contact your Private Lands Biologist, Iowa District Forester, or NRCS District Conservationist for additional information. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, WHIP: It's HABITat Forming