The mission of the Idaho Fish and Game's Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) is to safeguard the future of upland game and waterfowl through habitat conservation. It aims to support the creation and enhancement of habitats, providing both technical and financial assistance to private landowners and public land managers for the benefit of upland game bird and waterfowl habitats.
The Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) by Idaho Fish and Game is driven by the principle that habitat conservation is essential for the preservation and flourishing of upland game and waterfowl populations in Idaho. The program's broad goal is to facilitate habitat creation and improvement by engaging private landowners and public land managers in these efforts. Specifically, HIP supports projects directed at enhancing upland game bird and waterfowl habitat. It offers technical guidance, resources for seeds and seedlings, and financial assistance, including cost-sharing arrangements where landowners may receive up to 75% reimbursement of project expenses, up to a general cap of $10,000 per project. These financial support structures are designed to encourage and aid landowners in their conservation efforts. Additionally, HIP works in partnership with non-profit organizations and federal agencies to extend its reach and effectiveness in habitat enhancement projects. All projects under this program are formalized through cooperative agreements that outline the project details and maintenance commitments.