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Project WINGS
Wildlife Incentives for Non-Game and Game Species A Grant Program That Creates Wildlife Habitat on Rights of Way What is Project WINGS? Project WINGS is a rights-of-way management campaign designed to create new wildlife lands beneath electrical transmission lines. WINGS stands for "Wildlife Incentives for Non-game and Game Species." Four utilities fund the project in Georgia. The project works by offering cash grants and professional wildlife management advice to groups and individuals committed to three years of rights-of-way wildlife management.
Why add wildlife to rights of way? Transmission lines are essential to our economy and standard of living. Underneath these lines are rights of way which vary in width from 50 to 500 feet, representing thousands of idle acres. These rights of way must be routinely managed in such a way as to prevent the unwanted growth of tall plants and trees which could reach power lines and interfere with the delivery of electricity. The utilities and the Two Rivers RC&D Council have partnered with many other wildlife groups and agencies to offer cash incentives and management expertise which will enhance wildlife habitat while ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of electricity.
Who can receive a grant? Landowners, hunting clubs, wildlife organizations and other individuals committed to the conversion and management of electric transmission rights of way may apply for a grant. Applications are accepted May 15 to July 15 each year, and they are available at all Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and local soil and water conservation district (SWCD) offices. Applications are ranked and reviewed on a competitive basis. Individuals receiving grants must be willing to manage these acres for three years as outlined by their customized plans prepared with the local NRCS staff.
How are grant dollars earned? Grant awards are based on the practices selected and amount of land to be managed. Monies are budgeted over three years as follows: fallow disking ($60/ac), chemical brush control ($60/ac), annual plantings ($100/ac), permanent plantings ($100/ac). The first year payment cannot exceed $100 per acre, the second year payment is a flat rate of $35 per acre with no payment the third year. The maximum total payment for the three-year contract cannot exceed $1,350. Grants are paid within 60 days of work completion, as reported by the local NRCS office.
What type of commitment is involved? Grant recipients have a three-year obligation to follow the wildlife practices outlined in their management plan.
Who develops the wildlife management plan? The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division have developed a list of typical wildlife management practices, such as fallow disking, chemical brush control, permanent wildlife plantings or annual wildlife plantings. Participants will prepare their own plan by selecting management practices from the list. Specialists from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division will be available as consultants.
Can I do the work myself? Yes, as long as the practice is included in your wildlife management plan prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it doesn't matter who performs the labor.
Do I need proof of management expenses? As long as the practice has been completed and then verified by NRCS, receipts are not necessary.
How do I get started? If you own or lease lands with electrical transmission rights of way, simply call Project WINGS headquarters at 706-885-0101.
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Project WINGS is a joint venture between Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, AGL and the Two Rivers RC&D Council with technical assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Georgia Forestry. .
CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS
Audubon Society – Atlanta Chapter Georgia RC&D Council
Georgia Soil and Water
Conservation Commission
Georgia Wildlife Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation
Quail Unlimited
Quality Deer Management Association
The Georgia Conservancy
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