The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is now accepting applications through its Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) to continue longleaf pine restoration efforts in Alabama.

LIP funding is made possible through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and is available to qualifying landowners for longleaf pine restoration on private lands.

Landowners are encouraged to submit applications to receive assistance with site preparation, seedlings, planting, native grass restoration and/or exotic control costs. The program is focused on longleaf pine ecosystem restoration for the benefit of wildlife species in greatest conservation need. Currently, applications are being accepted for 50/50 cost share on-site preparation, containerized longleaf pine trees, and planting. All applications will undergo a competitive ranking process.

Eligibility requirements are that the property must have suitable soils for planting longleaf, be held under private ownership, have a 15-acre minimum for reforestation, and fall within the following counties: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

LIP funds are administered to complement WFF habitat restoration goals of the longleaf pine ecosystem. This program provides financial and/or technical assistance to private landowners to conserve, manage or enhance the habitats of species in greatest conservation need associated with Alabama’s longleaf pine ecosystem.

For an application and program information, contact Traci Wood at 334-353-0503. The deadline for LIP applications is March 1.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.