LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say farmers and ranchers in south-central and southeastern Nebraska have until Jan. 15 to apply for funding to improve grassland bird habitats.

A multiagency partnership has formed the Grassland Bird Initiative, which provides funding in 15 counties. The U.S. Agriculture Department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to improve habitat for grassland birds such as bobwhite quail and greater prairie-chicken.

Cost sharing of up to 75 percent is available to begin such practices as resting rangeland and conducting special burns, to buy fencing materials and to set up watering facilities for livestock.

Go online at http://1.usa.gov/1RT9oCb for more information or to find a conservation service office.