Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals.  EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants in addressing resource concerns on eligible agricultural and forested land.  Common concerns addressed by EQIP include livestock issues, soil quality and stabilization, forest health, and wildlife habitat quality.

EQIP is a competitive program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist with conservation practice implementation on privately owned lands.  Applications are ranked and funds are distributed based on national, state, and local priorities.  A portion of North Carolina’s EQIP allocation has historically been reserved for special natural resources projects within the state including wildlife habitat enhancement.  Contracts awarded under EQIP can range from 2-6 years in length.

More Information

EQIP applications are accepted throughout the year on a continuous basis.  Applications may be obtained and filed at any time at your local USDA Service Center or Conservation District office.  Information also may be obtained through NRCS’s website.

Free technical guidance and information related to managing EQIP for wildlife is available from Wildlife Commission staff.  Please call the Wildlife Resources Commission, Wildlife Management Division at 919-707-0050 if you have questions or need assistance. 

Prepared by John Isenhour, NCWRC Technical Assistance Biologist, john.isenhour@ncwildlife.org