Beginning in 2002, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offered states funds through the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) to benefit "at-risk" species on private lands. At-risk species are plants and animals that are listed on state or federal threatened or endangered species lists or are species of concern due to their overall population decline or rarity. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission applied for a LIP grant in 2002 and received $1.6 million for private lands work. Since then, we have been awarded nearly $1.4 million more.

The Western Prairie Fringed Orchid is a federally and state listed threatened species.

The development of State Wildlife Action Plans in all 50 states was intended to help recover at-risk species and to keep more common species thriving. One of the most important federal programs to help implement State Wildlife Action Plans is the LIP. LIP provides innovative ways to mutually benefit at-risk wildlife and private landowners. LIP offers financial incentives and technical advice to private landowners interested in improving at-risk species habitat, such as prairie or wetlands, on their land. Commission biologists work with landowners and their tenants to develop conservation strategies that provide benefits to the landowner and the target species. Each individual contract is unique and reflects the landowner's needs.

Prescribed burning is one of the methods used to control invasive species and promote native plant growth.

LIP offers 75 percent federal cost-share to landowners for conducting management activities and requires 25 percent non-federal match. Non-federal match can occur in the form of partner contributions and in-kind donations from the landowner. The project costs vary, with current project costs ranging from $600 to $60,000. Most LIP contracts require the landowner to enter a 10-year management agreement with the Commission, but the agreements can vary in length depending on the management plan.

Many management practices are possible under LIP as long as they benefit at-risk species. Management practices that have occurred under LIP projects include the following:

• Tree clearing and prescribed burning of native grasslands
• Fencing and water development for rotational grazing of native grasslands
• Planting of native prairie on cropland
• Slough and wetland restoration
• Herbicide treatment of invasive weeds on native habitats