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The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants in addressing resource concerns on eligible agricultural and forested land. Common concerns addressed by EQIP include livestock issues, soil quality and stabilization, forest health, and wildlife habitat quality.
EQIP is a competitive program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist with conservation practice implementation on privately owned lands. Applications are ranked and funds are distributed based on national, state, and local priorities. A portion of North Carolina’s EQIP allocation has historically been reserved for special natural resources projects within the state including wildlife habitat enhancement. Contracts awarded under EQIP can range from 2-6 years in length.
EQIP applications are accepted throughout the year on a continuous basis. Applications may be obtained and filed at any time at your local USDA Service Center or Conservation District office. Information also may be obtained through NRCS’s website.
Free technical guidance and information related to managing EQIP for wildlife is available from Wildlife Commission staff. Please call the Wildlife Resources Commission, Wildlife Management Division at 919-707-0050 if you have questions or need assistance. Prepared by John Isenhour, NCWRC Technical Assistance Biologist, john.isenhour@ncwildlife.org
Upland Gazette
Introduction - Declining Habitat, Declining Wildlife
Past Wildlife Commission Efforts
CURE - The Early Years
Transition from Original CURE
Today's CURE
Enhancing Traditional Quail Management to Benefit Songbirds
Conservation Reserve Program – CRP
Environmental Quality Incentives Program – EQIP
Wetlands Reserve Program – WRP
CURE Farm Map
North Carolina’s Best Early-successional Habitat
Using Fire to Improve Wildlife Habitat
Longleaf Pine Restoration
Private Lands
Tarheel Wildlife: A Guide for Managing Wildlife on Private Lands In North Carolina