The Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program, or AWPP), now in its eighth year, is a grant program for farmers interested in using non-lethal means to protect their livestock and crops from wildlife.
The program opens for grant applications starting Oct.1. The idea is to promote co-existence that also fosters better balanced ecosystems.
Agricultural operations of all sizes can apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement funds for the purchase of non-lethal wildlife deterrents which could include standard or electric fencing, sound or light scare devices, fladry or flagging, protective animal housing, livestock guardian animals and other approved options.
Property owners experiencing conflicts with beavers, such as tree damage or flooding, can also apply year-round to purchase deterrents to protect trees and crops or prevent flooding.
The AWPP also provides information and resources to farmers centered on non-lethal wildlife deterrence and can also offer guidance in creating successful deterrent plans. Grant applications can be downloaded from the AWPP website and submitted Oct. 1 through Nov. 30.
Grant awards will be announced in early January and successful applicants will have until April 30, 2025 to install their projects and request reimbursement after an on-site visit by Benton County staff.
Since 2017, AWPP has provided 37 awards totaling $106,884 to Benton County farmers for the purchase of wildlife-friendly deterrents. Awards are made based on the applicant’s philosophy of animal damage control, quality of application and likely effectiveness of the proposed non-lethal deterrents project plan. Successful applicants must provide a 10% funding match via labor or materials purchases. The AWPP does not fund deterrents for deer or elk.
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