Georgia Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP)

Georgia WRD pays private landowners lease payments in exchange for opening their land to public hunting, fishing or wildlife viewing, funded by USDA's VPA-HIP grant. Farms of any size (10 to 5,000 acres) can enroll in single or multi-year contracts and get free habitat technical assistance and state liability protection. WRD reports 35 contracts over the last five years, mostly dove fields, waterfowl, deer, small game and turkey.

• Eligible land owners include personal citizen-owned properties, agricultural producers, timber companies and timber investment management organizations

• Any size: 'Whether you own 10 acres or 5,000 acres'

Single or multi-year contracts; landowner sets access dates and types of use; landowner liability protection under Georgia law (OCGA 51-3-20 to 51-3-26).

Published amounts: Substantial financial incentives based on acres, recreation types, and habitats available. No rate published.

Complete the Landowner Interest Form and return it to Matthew Goode by email (matthew.goode@dnr.ga.gov) or mail to GA DNR Wildlife Resources, 2065 U.S. Hwy 278, SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.

Deadline text on the page: No deadline published; 'Interested? Complete the Landowner Interest Form today!'