04
Oct
2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa will receive $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). The program incentivizes owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch and forest land to voluntarily give hunters, anglers, hikers, bird watchers and other recreational outdoor enthusiasts access to land for their enjoyment. VPA-HIP provides funding for existing public access programs, to create new public access programs, or to provide incentives to improve wildlife habitat on enrolled lands. VPA-HIP funds may be used to provide rental payments and other incentives, such as technical or conservation services to landowners who, in return, provide the public access to their land.
"As a sportsman I have always appreciated Iowa's beautiful outdoor spaces for hunting and fishing," said Harkin. "I am pleased that today's funding not only promotes conservation of lands, but gives other Iowans the opportunity to enjoy all our natural treasures."
Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Agriculture committee and the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA. For more information on VPA-HIP and other FSA programs, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/vpa.
"As a sportsman I have always appreciated Iowa's beautiful outdoor spaces for hunting and fishing," said Harkin. "I am pleased that today's funding not only promotes conservation of lands, but gives other Iowans the opportunity to enjoy all our natural treasures."
Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Agriculture committee and the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA. For more information on VPA-HIP and other FSA programs, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/vpa.
