Private landowner assistance program (PLAP) is a class of government assistance program available throughout the U.S. for landowners interested in maintaining, developing, improving and protecting wildlife on their property. Each state provides various programs that assist landowners in agriculture, forestry and conserving wildlife habitat. This helps landowners in the practice of good land stewardship and provides multiple benefits to the environment. Some states offer technical assistance which includes:
assisting the landowner to decide which programs will fit the landowner's needs, assist landowners with processes/procedures, and assist in coming up with a plan that will be beneficial to the species present on their land while preserving their natural habitat.
Landowner incentive programs
Landowner incentive programs work to financially assist landowners in the restoration and protection of endangered species Generally any private landowner or organization can apply for assistance but preference is given to areas in greatest need of protection.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)
WHIP is a voluntary landowner program that is devoted to the improvement of upland wildlife habitat. It is available in all 50 states and has enrolled nearly 11,000 landowners totaling since its beginning in 1998. Eligibility is limited to privately owned, federal, tribal and government lands (Limited). Once approved, land management plans are designed with one of two primary agendas. Habitat for declining species Wildlife and fishery habitats and sustainable practices
Proposed management plans are considered for 5,10 or 15 year time spans with increased cost-share benefits for longer commitments.
Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP)
FLEP is a type of USDS incentive program designed to maintain the long term sustainability of non-industrial private forest. The program provides financial and educational assistance to landowners that compose a qualifying management plan. Initially proposed plans must be 10 years management strategies and can manage no more than (additional area can be added in special cases).
Tax incentives
Another way landowners can be persuaded to conserve their private land is through tax incentive programs. For example, Louisiana has a tax exemption program providing tax relief for landowner that commit to specific management plans.
Agricultural conversion programs
Conservation Reserve Program - State Acres for wildlife Enhancement (SAFE)
The United States Department of Agriculture USDA started the Conservation Reserve Program as part of the Food Security Act of 1985. The program is designed to provide assistance and incentive for farmers to maintain sustainable farming practices and to encourage the development of natural wildlife habitat.
The State Acres for wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program was approved by the USDS as an offshoot of the Conservation Reserve Program. The program is designed to further protect threatened and endangered species habitat through the restoration of eligible property. The overall goal of the program is to restore and enhance up to but no more than of wildlife habitat. Eligibility requirements, designated SAFE zones and sign-up practices vary from state to state.
Agricultural Management Assistance
Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) can provide financial assistance to farming landowners willing to volunteer their land for conservation. Funding can be used in a variety of management plans including; windbreak planting, irrigation improvements, soil erosion control, sustainable pest management or development of new organic farming operations. The AMA has a limited annual budget of $20million and individual landowners can qualify for up to $50,000 in AMA payments per year. AMA is available in 15 states and interested landowners can apply via their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or conservation district office.