On Wednesday March 11, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced almost $49 million in funding to state and tribal governments through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Improvement Program (VPA-HIP). The funding will be used by 27 recipients in 27 different states for projects that will encourage private landowners to allow public access to their lands for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-associated recreation. Most of the funding will go to expand existing public access programs and will increase the number of acres of private land available for recreation. Up to 25 percent of the funds can be used to create, restore, or enhance habitat on the private lands open for access.

“Not only does this program enhance and protect wildlife habitat, but it also provides new opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors and potentially generates new revenue streams for private landowners,” said NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr.