Fire on the Forty helps Mississippi landowners and tenants improve wildlife habitat and working lands through prescribed fire and other eligible habitat-management practices.
Eligible participants will receive cost-share assistance for approved conservation practices, subject to program requirements and available funding. Assistance may support prescribed burning, invasive plant control, native grass establishment, native forb establishment, and other eligible habitat improvements.
Applications are accepted statewide, with designated RCPP focal counties receiving priority consideration.
Why Does Prescribed Fire Matter?
Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available for restoring and maintaining healthy native plant communities across Mississippi.
When used safely and intentionally, prescribed fire can:
- Promote beneficial native grasses and forbs.
- Reduce undesirable woody vegetation.
- Improve wildlife habitat and plant diversity.
- Maintain open grassland and woodland conditions.
- Reduce accumulated fuels that can contribute to destructive wildfires.
These improvements benefit northern bobwhite, wild turkey, rabbits, grassland birds, pollinators, and many other native species.
For landowners, prescribed fire can also support healthier, more resilient working lands and help advance long-term management goals.
How Does Fire on the Forty Work?
Fire on the Forty connects landowners and tenants with local conservation professionals who can help identify opportunities for their property and determine whether their goals align with the program.
Depending on the practice, program requirements, and available funding, eligible participants may receive financial assistance for approved conservation work.
What is this New Opportunity for Mississippi Landowners?
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is an additional cost-share program through the Fire on the Forty Initiative for select areas in Mississippi that offers incentive payments to eligible landowners/tenants who implement practices that improve wildlife habitat. The program focuses on supporting upland habitat for grassland and savanna birds, pollinators, and other native wildlife.
This additional cost-share through the Fire on the Forty Initiative is administered by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), but is led by the National Bobwhite & Grassland Initiative (NBGI) with funding through the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Eligibility
There are no limitations on landowner income.
There are no limitations on the acreage of the project.
Must have a valid farm/tract number with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) - or is eligible to get one.
Property can not be currently enrolled in Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Property can not be currently enrolled in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for the same type project on the same acreage.
Property can be enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), but not currently for the same acreage that is being applied for through RCPP, unless the CRP contract has expired for that same acreage.
The goal is to provide management that promotes understory native vegetation for wildlife in upland sites only.
This program is not for bottomland areas, burning unthinned pines, burning clearcuts that are going to be replanted, burning pastures/hayfields with non-native grasses (see below for secondary cost-share), burning crop stubble, or burning piles or land clearing operations.
Must be in one of the following focal counties: Tate, Marshall, Benton, Tippah, Alcorn, Prentiss, Union, Panola, Yalobusha, Chickasaw, Monroe, Clay, Oktibbeha, Lowndes, Noxubee, Kemper, Carroll, Holmes, Yazoo, Madison, Hinds, Copiah, Jefferson, Covington, Jones, Wayne, Greene, George, Amite, Pike, Walthall, Marion, and Lamar.
How do I apply for RCPP through Fire on the Forty?
The process begins with a simple Producer Interest Form. From there, a local conservation professional can help:
- Identify potential conservation practices.
- Determine program eligibility.
- Explain available financial assistance.
- Guide you through the next steps.
Submitting an interest form does not obligate you to participate and does not guarantee enrollment or funding.
