Arbuckle Mountain Area Chapter Oklahoma Quail Restoration Initiative

Application Acceptance Ended 11-15-2006     Contact NRCS about carry overs....

USDA Accepting Applications for Quail Habitat Restoration

Farmers and ranchers in selected watersheds have the opportunity to apply for 2007 Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funds for needed grassland management practices benefiting their livestock operation and providing additional conservation benefits to quail habitat.

The (NRCS) and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) are pleased to announce a cooperative effort available to farmers and ranchers through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  The NRCS and ODWC have been working together to develop a program tailored to the needs of agriculture producers that will also provide additional benefits to the Northern Bobwhite Quail. 

The Quail Habitat Restoration Initiative (QHRI) was developed to benefit quail and farmers in specific areas of the state.  Initially, five focal areas were selected based on meetings with local resource professionals, local producers, and local habitat conditions.  Mike Sams, Private Lands Biologist for ODWC, said, “Using information from the landowners, we tried to tailor a program to meet their production needs as well as address the habitat needs of quail.”  This program is unique in that more incentives will be offered to landowners than were previously available through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).  “For those landowners who may not have the resources, there are incentives and cost-share assistance available to control cedars and thin timber to increase the amount of native vegetation for cows and wildlife,” added Sams.

"We are accepting applications for quail habitat conservation in the EQIP on a continuous basis.  However, only applications received by November 15, 2006, will be ranked and considered during this initial selection period.”  Those applications that are received will then be ranked and will be put into a statewide pool for funding.  Unfunded applications will be maintained for future funding consideration if the applicant chooses to remain on the waiting list. 

Farmers and ranchers interested in participation in EQIP may apply at any time at your local NRCS or by calling ODWC at (405) 521-2739.  All applications received will be evaluated according to the statewide ranking criteria as workload permits and reviewed for potential funding as program allocations become available.