Idaho F&G's Access Yes Program Gets Federal Grant

Idaho has been awarded a $400,000 federal grant for its hunter and angler access program. The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack October 4 announced the awards to 17 state public access programs of grants totaling $11.76 million. Idaho was one of 28 states vying for the competitive grant program announced July 8, 2010. "This administration is committed to preserving and enhancing the great conservation legacy of our nation's hunters and anglers for the benefit of current and future generations," Vilsack said. The grant program "will help achieve conservation goals and increase opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation by providing greater access to privately held lands, and we are excited to assist these 17 states in developing new and enhancing existing public access and habitat incentive programs." The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program creates incentives for owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch and forest land to voluntarily give hunters, fishermen, hikers, bird watchers and other recreational outdoor enthusiasts access to land for their enjoyment. Program funds may be used to provide rental payments and other incentives, such as technical or conservation services to landowners who, in return, provide the public access to their land. In 2009, Idaho's Access Yes! Program opened 431,803 acres of private land and access to 470,165 acres of public land for hunters and anglers. As of September 28, 2010, 110 Access Yes! lease agreements currently have opened 443,222 private acres and access to 475,005 public acres. For information about Idaho's Access Yes! Program visit the Fish and Game Web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov, and click on the green Access Yes logo on any of the pages. For information on the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program and other Farm Service Agency programs, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/vpa.