A $3 million federal investment could significantly expand hunting, fishing and wildlife recreation opportunities on privately owned Indiana farmland, creating new incentives for landowners while strengthening conservation efforts across the state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) $3 million through its Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), funding an ambitious expansion of Indiana’s Private Lands Access Program. The initiative targets enrollment of 62,451 acres and more than 175 participating landowners, opening additional private property to public hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing while providing opportunities to improve wildlife habitat.
For Indiana farmers and rural landowners, the investment represents an opportunity to potentially generate additional value from privately owned acreage while maintaining a focus on conservation and responsible land management. The program specifically targets hunting opportunities for game birds, waterfowl, wild turkey, deer and small game. Where appropriate, a portion of the federal funding will also support wildlife habitat improvements using conservation practices that meet USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards…