AWPP Program Information
AWPP Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP)?
The AWPP is a grant program for farmers in Benton County, Oregon. The AWPP awards grants for farms to protect livestock, crops and property from wild predators and beaver using non-lethal (no-kill) methods. Farms of any size can apply. AWPP grants are reimbursed- meaning we will issue you a check after you purchase and install the approved deterrents.
Who can apply for an AWPP grant?
Agricultural operations (farms) of any size and income level located within Benton County, Oregon can apply including rented or leased properties. This includes commercial, hobby or lifestyle farms. Farmers should plan on keeping crops or livestock at the project site for at least three years after award.
When can I apply for an AWPP grant?
Our regular grant cycle accepts applications from October 1st through November 30th annually. We will notify successful applicants in the first week of January.
If awarded, you will have until April 30th to complete your project. We will make a brief on-site visit to verify installation, after which you can submit a Check Request Form with matching itemized receipts and Benton County will issue a check for the amount of award.
You may inquire about an emergency grant any time of year if you are experiencing ongoing losses. These awards are subject to available funds. Please call us at 541-766-6293 or email us at awpp@bentoncountyor.gov for more information.
What can I buy with an AWPP grant?
You can apply for up to $5,000 in non-lethal wildlife deterrents. These may include electric or standard fencing, lambing sheds or night shelters, animal housing, livestock guardian animals or scare devices. We also fund devices to prevent conflicts with beaver, including tree paint, tree guards or pond levelers and other flow devices.
The AWPP does not fund deterrents for: deer, elk or wild turkey; labor costs; lethal or harmful methods; or items purchased before or without program approval.
What is a non-lethal wildlife deterrent?
A non-lethal wildlife deterrent is a tool, method or barrier that can protect livestock, poultry or crops/trees from wildlife-caused damage or loss without permanently removing or killing wildlife.
Non-lethal wildlife deterrents are often more effective than lethal control and do not require killing offending animals. They have been proven effective for many species of wildlife which includes mountain lions, bobcats, bears, coyotes, raccoons, birds of prey, beavers and domestic dogs.
Some examples include: standard and electric fencing, lambing or birthing shelters, night shelters, livestock guardian animals (which may include dogs, donkeys, geese or llamas), physical barriers or visual/sound scare devices.
How are AWPP applications judged?
AWPP grant applicants are blind reviewed and scored by a panel of representatives from Benton County, Oregon State University Extensions, Chintimini Wildlife Center, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and other experts.
Applications are ranked based on (1) alignment of the applicant’s philosophy of wildlife coexistence and the goals of the AWPP, (2) application completeness and the likelihood of success of the proposed plan, and (3) availability of funds.
We try to prioritize first-time awardees.
Can I be awarded more than one AWPP grant?
Yes, but not in the same year. If you are awarded an emergency grant, you may apply for a full grant during the next regular grant cycle. If you are applying for more than one location, please fill out the Additional Site Form and submit with your application.
What resources does the AWPP provide besides grants?
The AWPP provides expert advice on farming with wildlife. We also have a Lending Library which includes a variety of tools and devices that can be tried before purchasing or applying for funds. We also have a wide range of books and other information on the topics of livestock guardian animals, coexisting with wildlife, and information about wild predators and beaver.
If you are interested in applying for an AWPP grant or experiencing predation or damage issues, the AWPP coordinator can also make a site visit to your farm and discuss possible recommendations for a successful non-lethal deterrent plan. Please call us at 541-766-6821 or email awpp@bentoncountyor.gov for more information or to request a visit.
Are there requirements if I am awarded an AWPP grant?
10% Match: Awardees must provide a 10% match of the value of their award in qualifying purchases or through labor costs, which can be professionally quoted or rated at $15/hour.
Reporting Requirement: Awardees agree to submit brief annual reports for three years after award. This allows us to track the effectiveness and success of your project and the AWPP as a whole.
No Lethal Wildlife Control: Awardees agree not to use any non-selective methods of wildlife control which includes traps, snares, calling-and-shooting, killing animals in dens or burrows, poisons or other harmful methods for at least three years after award. Targeted killing of an individual animal may be used in cases of threats to human health or safety or if the animals is in the act of biting, wounding, killing or chasing health livestock. State and Federal rules and regulations apply in all cases.
Reimbursement: To be reimbursed you must complete a W9 form, a Check Request Form, and supply matching receipts for your approved purchases. Amounts requested that are greater than the initial award, or items purchased before award is given are not reimbursable. We cannot reimburse for labor costs but labor may be applied towards your 10% match requirement.
Other Requirements: A full list of Terms and Conditions can be found at the end of the grant application form. Please read carefully and initial all terms.