PRESS RELEASE
In January 2026, Brown County SWCD was awarded a $125,000 Clean Water Indiana grant from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to launch a new, three-year invasive plant cost-share program: the Brown County Connecting Habitat via Invasive Removal Program (BC CHIRP).
Through BC CHIRP, eligible landowners can receive a flat-rate payment per acre for invasive species removed from their property.
Priority will be given to properties near streams, wetlands, and conservation areas such as Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest. Coordinated efforts across neighboring properties will help reconnect habitat and strengthen forest corridors for wildlife.
What to Expect with BC CHIRP
The first step is to submit the interest form below. After submission, a member of the Brown County SWCD staff will reach out within one to two weeks to learn more about the property, briefly discuss your property goals, and determine eligibility for the program.
From there, landowners will either submit an existing land management plan—if one has been completed within the past two years—or schedule a site visit with SWCD staff. During a site visit, staff will walk the property alongside the landowner, assess current conditions, and develop an individualized management plan that identifies invasive species and outlines recommended treatment strategies. This step ensures that each project is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the property. Plans can be written to include chemical and/or mechanical treatment methods.
Once a management plan has been reviewed and approved, eligible landowners will be invited to complete the official BC CHIRP Application. It is important to note that enrollment in the program is not finalized until the application has been signed and approved by all parties.
After enrollment, participants will plan how to complete their invasive species removal project, either by hiring a contractor or completing the work themselves. As part of the program, participants are also required to attend a six-week, in-person Land Stewardship Training Program, which provides practical knowledge on invasive species identification, treatment methods, and long-term land management.
Project implementation timelines will vary depending on the size and scope of the work, but all projects must follow the approved individualized management plan. Once the work is completed, SWCD staff will conduct another site visit to verify the project is completed to plan specifications before issuing a flat-rate payment per acre. Payments are made only after successful project completion.
To ensure lasting results, participants also commit to a five-year maintenance agreement, which includes ongoing management of invasive species regrowth.
From initial inquiry to enrollment, the process typically takes one to three months. Funding for BC CHIRP is available from April 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, or until all funds have been allocated. Landowners are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited.
I'm interested! Now what? - Fill out the Interest Form below!
(be sure to scroll through all 18 questions)
