The Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP) is back for 2021 and administered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).
There are programs for croplands, grasslands, shorelines, stream banks, wetlands and woodlands.
The OSCIA said there are many opportunities available to support critical habitat through projects such as cross fencing for rotational grazing, watering systems for livestock, native tree planting, improved stream crossings, native grassland plantings and invasive species removal, species removal, among others.
The program is open to all agricultural landowners in the province. Projects that provide direct benefits can get funding for 60 per cent of the cost and for indirect benefits 45 per cent.
A bonus of 15 per cent is available for direct benefit projects if landowners enrol in SAR-Watch, a monitoring program that measures the impact of SARFIP projects on the ground for species at risk.
There is an online brochure available at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/oscia-programs/sarfip/ and the website also has application criteria and forms.
To be eligible farms must have a completed 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workbook and verified Action Plan.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come basis beginning April 7.
