Conservation Land Management Programs

Conservation Land Management Programs provide a financial benefit, such as cost share, tax relief, or tax deferment, in exchange for doing certain land management activities that benefit wildlife habitats. Read more below to see if any of these programs would help meet your land management goals.

Conservation Reserve Programs (USDA)

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a competitive program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). CRP is a voluntary conservation program for private landowners which targets removing highly erodible cropland from production and improving habitat for declining wildlife species on cropland and pastureland. There are three programs from USDA under the Conservation Reserve Program, the General Conservation Reserve Program, Continuous Conservation Reserve Program, and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Click this box to learn more.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (USDA)

EQIP is a competitive program administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist with conservation practice implementation on privately owned lands. EQIP 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. A portion of North Carolina’s EQIP allocation has historically been reserved for special natural resources projects within the state including wildlife habitat enhancement.

Partners for Fish and Wildlife (USFWS)

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land.

Safe Harbor Program Red-cockaded Woodpecker (NCWRC, USFWS)

The North Carolina state-wide Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) became effective in October 2006. It was developed to address both the conservation needs of the RCW in the State of North Carolina and the concerns of North Carolina's non-federal property owners.

Wetlands Reserve Program (USDA)

The USDA's Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Tribes to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring eligible land from agricultural production. Over 1.9 million acres are currently enrolled in WRP. Wetlands provide habitat for fish and wildlife including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity, and provide opportunities for educational, scientific, and limited recreational activities.

Wildlife Conservation Land Program (NCWRC)

The Wildlife Conservation Land Program (WCLP) allows private landowners who manage their property for protected wildlife species, priority wildlife habitats or as Wildlife Reserve Land to apply for a property tax deferment.