LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has launched a new one-year pilot program that is aiming to put more wildlife habitat on the ground.
The program, which came about due to the help of the Arkansas General Assembly and the Arkansas Legislative Council, is a collaborative effort between landowners across the state and AGFC.
The collaborative effort is being called "The Conservation Incentive Program," and offers landowners in Arkansas up to $10,000 in reimbursements for expenses that are "related to qualifying conservation practices most in demand for the future of Arkansas’s wildlife habitat."
While the state has other cost-share conservation programs, this one is specifically aimed at Arkansas wildlife and fisheries that are in need on a state level.
AGFC officials said that since about 10% of Arkansas is within public ownership, this is why programs like "The Conservation Incentive Program" are so important.
“With roughly 10% of Arkansas in public ownership, we are limited in what we can accomplish on a landscape level on public lands,” AGFC Director Austin Booth said. “Even if we get everything we manage in picture-perfect condition, we’re still missing 90 percent of Arkansas. That’s where the Conservation Incentive Program comes in.”
When an applicant submits their application, it is then reviewed by a biologist to ensure that it meets the program's requirements.
AGFC emphasized that applications are reviewed in the order that the applications are received and that funding is provided on a first-come basis.
For those interested in applying or learning more information on each incentive, you can click here.
Funding for the "The Conservation Incentive Program" runs through Dec. 31, 2024.