87-1-248. Qualification of upland game bird enhancement projects. (1) A project eligible for funding under the upland game bird release program must contain the proper combination of winter cover, food, nesting cover, and other upland game bird habitat components determined necessary to provide for establishment of a viable upland game bird population.

(2) A project eligible for funding under the habitat enhancement program must include assistance to applicants in the establishment of suitable nesting cover, winter cover, or feeding areas through cost sharing, leases, or conservation easements.

(3) A project containing hunting preserves or any commercial hunting enterprise or in which hunting rights are leased or paid for is not eligible for funding.

(4) Preference must be given for project applications submitted by youth organizations, 4-H clubs, sports groups, and other associations of sufficient size to guarantee completion of all project requirements. However, individual landowners may also apply, as long as the land in the project area remains open to public hunting in accordance with reasonable use limitations imposed by the landowner.

(5) (a) Except when a greater amount, up to $200,000, is authorized by the commission, a project may not receive more than $100,000 in funds collected under 87-1-246.

(b) Total purchases of equipment, land, and buildings under the habitat enhancement program may not exceed $25,000 for each project.

(c) The construction of wells, pipelines, or roads using funds collected under 87-1-246 is only allowed on a cost-share basis, when the applicant pays at least 50% of the funded costs.

(d) Any equipment purchased with funds collected under 87-1-246 remains the property of the department.

(e) A shelterbelt may not be constructed within 400 feet of any residential building or building occupied by livestock.

(f) Funds collected under 87-1-246 may be expended for supplemental feeding programs that are authorized by the department.