USDA announces $52 million for public access, wildlife habitat program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $52 million to support public access to private lands for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting grant applications from state and tribal governments through June 8. The program is designed to expand access opportunities while supporting landowners and habitat conservation.
“The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program is a critical source of funding for increasing public access to private lands for hunting and fishing, while also supporting farmers and contributing to habitat conservation efforts,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “This program is about opportunities for landowners and the public.”
Funding uses
Funding for the program was restored through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which USDA said strengthens NRCS efforts to work with farmers, ranchers and partners on conservation challenges at a broader scale.
Eligible applicants may use grant funds to establish new public access programs, expand existing efforts or provide incentives for landowners to improve wildlife habitat on enrolled lands. Projects can last up to three years, with individual awards capped at $3 million. Up to 25% of funding may be used for habitat improvement incentives.
Previous projects funded through the program have increased access across multiple states. In Arizona, 4.8 million acres of private and landlocked public land were opened for recreation. Missouri enrolled 30,000 acres in a program focused on small game habitat, while Washington made 75,000 acres available for hunting across six counties.
NRCS said the program benefits both landowners and the public by supporting working lands while increasing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Applications and additional program details are available on www.grants.gov and the NRCS website.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
