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.
Donor Name: Benton County
State: Oregon
County: Benton County (OR)
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 11/30/2024
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The AWPP is a Benton County funded program designed 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. 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
Farms of any size in Benton County can apply for up to $5,000 to fund the purchase of non-lethal deterrents to prevent conflicts with wildlife.
What is Eligible for Grant Funding?
- Non-lethal wildlife deterrent equipment devices, and housing which proactively protect livestock and crops are eligible for funding. Beaver deterrents to protect trees or prevent flooding are also eligible for funding. Deterrents for deer and elk are not eligible for funding. Examples of non-lethal deterrents include, but are not limited to: livestock guardian animals, certain types of fencing, birthing sheds, visual and acoustic scare devices, and flow devices such as beaver pond levelers.
- Non-selective lethal wildlife control methods such as traps, snares, calling-and-shooting, denning (killing animals in their burrows or dens – usually with poisons), or poisons are not reimbursable, or allowed, under this program.
- Reimbursement funds can only be applied to new purchases made after the grant award date. Retroactive costs or purchases made prior to the grant award date will not be allowed.
Who is Eligible for Grant Funding?
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.
