Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program

The Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) is a community-based initiative funded and administered by Benton County, Oregon. The program is developed in partnership with local entities such as the Oregon State University Extension Service, the Chintimini Wildlife Center, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. Its primary objective is to foster coexistence between agriculture and wildlife by promoting the proactive use of non-lethal deterrents to reduce conflict. The AWPP supports Benton County’s agricultural community by providing financial assistance for implementing humane and sustainable wildlife deterrence methods, particularly targeting species other than deer, elk, or wild turkey. The AWPP offers reimbursement-based grants of up to $5,000 for the purchase and installation of approved non-lethal deterrents. These deterrents may include livestock guardian animals, electric fencing, scare devices, protective housing, and beaver-specific solutions such as pond levelers and fencing. To be eligible, the deterrent methods must be newly acquired and must not have been purchased prior to receiving the grant award. Additionally, projects must be installed and operational by May 30 of the award year. The program excludes reimbursements for labor costs; however, labor may be counted toward the required 10% cost-share, valued at $15 per hour. Grantees are expected to maintain and use the funded deterrents at the project site for at least three years. Eligibility is open to agricultural operations of any size located in Benton County, including both commercial and hobby farms. Applicants may operate on either owned or leased land, and do not need to be county residents, as long as the project is implemented within Benton County. The program also accommodates emergency applications for applicants who have recently (within 60 days) experienced wildlife-related losses. In such cases, Benton County encourages applicants to contact program staff directly before submitting an application to ensure suitability for an emergency grant. Applications for the standard grant cycle are accepted annually from October 1 through November 30. All submissions must be made via email or postal mail, and applicants are strongly advised not to begin their projects or purchase materials until they have received official notification of the award. Successful applicants will be informed in early January, following a December evaluation process conducted by a grant review committee using a blind review method. Site visits are conducted before reimbursement is issued to verify that deterrents have been properly installed. The evaluation criteria focus on three core areas: the philosophical alignment of the applicant with AWPP values, the expected effectiveness of the deterrent methods proposed, and overall funding availability. In the interest of promoting new participation, preference is given to applicants who have not previously received funding. Grantees are required to submit annual project evaluation reports for three years and must agree not to use non-selective lethal deterrent methods at the project site during the grant period. To apply, applicants must complete a detailed application form, which includes information about the operation, proposed deterrent methods, budget tables, and a compliance checklist. Additional site forms must be submitted if deterrents will be used at multiple locations. For questions or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact AWPP staff at [email protected] or by phone at 541-766-6293. Further information, including application materials and guidance, is available on the AWPP website.

Prepare a detailed project plan and budget with supporting receipts. Align philosophy with non-lethal deterrents.