Iowa’s Habitat and Access Program (IHAP) will begin accepting new land for enrollment this summer after the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was awarded a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of the farm bill.
More than 8,000 acres was enrolled as part of the pilot program in 2011-14, providing much needed wildlife habitat on private land.
Landowners with land currently enrolled in a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) could receive additional benefits by participating in IHAP.
“This program allows landowners to meet their mid-contract management requirements of their CRP agreement, including out-of-pocket expenses,” said Kelly Smith, private lands program coordinator for the DNR. “Plus, the incentive rates could cover financial responsibilities under CRP, and any extra costs associated with developing higher quality habitat.”
Landowners interested in installing wildlife habitat or improving existing habitat should contact the DNR who will visit their property and together write a habitat plan that is submitted for consideration. If accepted, the DNR will provide an incentive payment in exchange for the landowner installing the habitat. Landowners determine the length of the agreement, ranging from three to 10 years, and participation is completely voluntary.
A list of DNR wildlife staff who works with landowners is available atwww.iowadnr.gov/Environment/
The agreement allows hunters access to the portion of the property covered by the agreement, from Sept. 1 to May 31. Conservation officers will provide assistance and enforcement, if needed.
Increasing hunter access has been a focal point within the DNR and this program is an effort to address that need. The DNR placed survey boxes at existing IHAP locations and information submitted indicated hunters were satisfied with their experience and would like to see the program expanded.
“Hopefully landowner interest in the program will continue and we can expand wildlife habitat and hunter access on private land,” Smith said.
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