INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana landowners who want to help boost the state's dwindling quail and pheasant populations can get state reimbursement for their expenses creating habitat for the prized game birds.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Private Lands Unit works with landowners to restore habitat for bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasant.

DNR south region private lands supervisor Josh Griffin says landowners can obtain up to $4,000 per year in agency funds for game bird habitat restoration projects.

He says the more pheasant and quail habitat that's created or restored, the better the chances the birds will spread to other areas and create sustainable populations.

A state wildlife biologist will meet with interested landowners to inspect their property and prepare a management plan. Qualified landowners are reimbursed for an agreed-to amount.