The Benton County is seeking applications for its Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) to encourage the proactive use of nonlethal animal damage deterrents in an effort to foster the coexistence of local agriculture and wildlife in Benton County.
Donor Name: Benton County
State: Oregon
County: Benton County (OR)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/30/2023
Size of the Grant: Up to $5,000
Details:
The Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) is a community-based program 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 additional Program Advisors.
The majority of AWPP funds go towards a merit-based reimbursement grant program for Benton County residents with a 10% cost share component.
The goals of the 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 collaborative relationships between the farming and wildlife conservation communities, and 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 for emergency grants
- Each applicant may request up to $5,000 in reimbursement grant funds.
Eligibility Criteria
Agricultural operations in Benton County, of any size, on owned or leased land, that are anticipating or have 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.
