American Bird Conservancy (ABC)

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The project costs vary from landowner to landowner because each landowner uses a different contractor, and the contractors may provide different quotes. The RCPP is not intended to cover 100% of the costs, but there are ways to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Shopping around with multiple contractors to request quotes can help find lower rates. Landowners can also complete the work themselves by either purchasing or renting their own equipment. This option is not for everyone, but it does really help minimize costs.

The program provides funding on a flat per-acre rate. For those looking to mow tag alder, the current rate in 2023 is $490.48 per acre. This rate changes to $558.58 if you qualify for the Historically Underserved status. For those looking for funding on timber harvesting, the funding rate is $64.32, or $77.19 for HU status. It is best to talk with American Bird Conservancy staff to get a complete picture of the available funding.

Technically, there is no minimum acreage to apply for any NRCS-related program. However, since our program is to improve the habitat for the Golden-Winged Warbler, we focus on projects over 5 acres in size because this bird requires large tracts of suitable habitat for its breeding grounds. Additionally, the per acre costs of mulching projects less than 5 acres in size are much higher than larger projects because contractors still have to make money on small projects.

Outside of the project site where we’re working on your property: None. The only thing you’re signing up for is to complete the project detailed in the Conservation Plan. If the plan states that you will cut 10 specific acres of aspen trees on your 80-acre property by December 2024, your only obligation is to cut those 10 acres outlined by December 2024. Once the work is completed, you’ll be paid for the work, and the contract is completed. You must maintain the habitat as a young forest for the following 3 years, but “maintaining young forest habitat” means leaving it alone. There are no restrictions on the rest of the property, no changes in the property taxes, or requirements for allowing public access.

We accept applications at any time of the year, and we can begin planning the project, but the NRCS has an application sign-up deadline that changes each year. Until this application deadline, we won’t officially be able to process any application paperwork. Still, it’s essential to submit application forms as soon as you know you’re interested in the program because a lot of internal paperwork takes time to complete. We can always cancel the application later with no repercussions. As for starting the project, we can’t begin until the funding is officially obligated for you, which is typically 2 to 3 months after the sign-up deadline. We also do not allow any work to be completed during the bird breeding season between April and August, so the work typically occurs in the fall and winter.