The Benton County is seeking applications for its Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) to encourage the proactive use of non-lethal animal damage deterrents in an effort to foster the coexistence of agriculture and wildlife in Benton County.
Donor Name: Benton County
State: Oregon
County: Benton County (OR)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 07/31/2022
Size of the Grant: $40,000
Details:
Agricultural operations in Benton County that wish to prevent conflicts with wildlife may qualify for up to $5,000 in reimbursement grant funds for the purchase of proactive non-lethal wildlife deterrents to protect livestock and crops. Individuals experiencing conflicts with beavers may also qualify for grant funds for the purchase of deterrents to protect trees or prevent flooding.
This community-based program is funded by Benton County and managed by county officials in partnership with representatives from Oregon State University Extension Service, Chintimini Wildlife Center, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Program Advisors.
The goals of the Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program are to:
- Protect livestock and crops while coexisting with wildlife;
- Encourage the proactive use of non-lethal animal damage deterrents to prevent conflicts with wildlife;
- Offer a wildlife-friendly, non-lethal animal damage control program;
- Educate farmers and the community about wildlife conflicts and non-lethal methods to avoid conflicts;
- Foster a collaborative relationship between the farming and wildlife conservation communities, and the Benton County government built around common goals.
Funding Information
- The AWPP includes $40,000 for the cost-share reimbursement grant program for the 2021-23 biennium – $35,000 for proactive livestock and crop protection and $5,000 to mitigate human/beaver conflicts that arise after the grant application deadline. Typically, the majority of funds are awarded within the first year of the biennium. Each applicant may request up to $5,000 in reimbursement grant funds.
- Grant recipients agree to submit annual Project Evaluation Reports by January 31 (2022-2025 inclusive).
Eligibility Criteria
Agricultural operations in Benton County, of any size, on owned or leased land, that is anticipating or has experienced conflicts with wildlife may apply for reimbursement funds. Commercial and hobby or lifestyle farms are eligible to apply. Individuals anticipating or experiencing conflicts with beavers may also apply. Though the non-lethal deterrents project must be located in Benton County, it is not necessary to be a resident of Benton County to apply. Applicants must plan to use their non-lethal deterrents at the project location(s) for three years to be eligible to receive grant funds.
For more information, visit Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program.
