(1) Enhancement activities on public and private lands will be reviewed and prioritized for funding based on:

(a) current species distribution and the potential to increase numbers of upland game birds;

(b) species present on the project and species that would benefit from the project;

(c) the proximity and number of acres of similar or essential habitat components to the project;

(d) the current habitat characteristics and public access opportunities that comprise the project area of influence;

(e) the number of acres open to hunting;

(f) expected benefits for upland game birds and hunters from the proposed project;

(g) additional consideration may be given to projects that offer:

(i) longer initial contract terms, renewed terms of expired contracts, or a higher amount of landowner cost-share; or

(ii) land with special or unique components for enhancement.

(2) Projects may not interfere with or duplicate other state or federal assistance programs. However, projects specific to the matching portion of other state or federal assistance programs will be considered.

(3) Participation in federal farm programs, state agricultural programs, hunter management programs, the hunting access enhancement program, or other programs that provide for habitat or access enhancement does not preclude eligibility for applicants to also enroll property in the upland game bird enhancement program.