This is the new version of the old Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) cost share program. WILD NE is a cooperative effort between the NRDs and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to create, maintain, or enhance suitable habitat areas, including wetlands, for food and cover to sustain desired kinds of upland wildlife in Nebraska.

There are a variety of activities that landowners can cooperate with to accomplish what they desire for wildlife. These activity categories include Grazing management, Grasslands, Woodlands, Wetlands, Excavation and General Activities. Some common activities with this program include disking, interseeding of legumes, wildlife shelter belts, wildlife shrub planting, etc. For more information on the activities offered please contact our office.

The Upper Loup NRD administers this program with assistance from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. Servicing field inspections of both potential and existing contracts and compliance checks of lands under contract will be provided by the District and Commission, jointly or independently of each other. Assistance may also be requested from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Annually, the District may set priorities and number of practices to be available within the program.

Habitat improvement practices are funded through a matching arrangement between the Game & Parks Commission and the Upper Loup NRD. The amount of cost-share allotted is dependent upon the type of practice implemented. Applications for this program can be obtained from the Upper Loup NRD, your local NRCS office or the Nebraska Games and Parks Commission.