Locals encouraged to participate in Project WINGS

Wildlife Incentives for Nongame and Game Species (WINGS) is a cost-share program administered by the local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office and Two Rivers RC&D. In the past, the program was funded by Georgia's three major utilities - Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission Corporation and MEAG. Savannah Electric and Atlanta Gas Light have now joined project WINGS.

Atlanta Gas Light represents the first gas utility in the nation to offer wildlife grants specific to gas line rights of way (gas utilities prohibits the use of nonrubber tired equipment and specify tillage not to exceed 6 inches in depth.)

Individuals and groups are The contract length is three encouraged to participate. Since the project's initial 18-county pilot effort in 1996, Project WINGS has become a statewide program that has provided over $1.9 million in private grants to over 2,127 participants who have converted nearly 14,500 acres to productive wildlife habitat. years with a maximum payment amount of $1,500 per participant. Completed contracts may be re-enrolled if expiration was three or more years ago.

To sign up, call 478-982-4058 or visit the NRCS office in Millen, located at 837 E. College Ave. Sign up now through July 15.