Wednesday, October 14, 2015

DNR assists with forest management costs

This is a short update from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about private forest land issues. We hope that this information will help you manage, protect and enjoy your forest.  

Natural Resources Conservation Service Financial Assistance


Did you know that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial assistance for forest landowners? The payments could cover 75 percent of your costs. The following is some basic information about the process to get funding for your forest conservation activities:
  • Conservation planning: This is the first step when enrolling in NRCS programs. Forest landowners can use their Forest Stewardship Plan, Tree Farm plan, or a NRCS Forest Management Plan to identify “resource concerns” like soil erosion, water quality, wildlife habitat or forest productivity problems. These plans should also identify possible “conservation practices” like stream crossings, forest trails, tree planting, brush management, and forest stand improvement to address the resource concerns in your forest. 
  • Applying for conservation programs: Forest landowners can enroll in NRCS conservation programs at their local Service Center. Applications for NRCS programs are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. The NRCS does announce “cut-off dates,” usually in the winter or spring, so that submitted applications can be ranked and selected for funding each fiscal year. Additional restrictions and program requirements may apply.
  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP is the primary program that provides financial assistance for private forest land. A forest landowner can apply for EQIP financial assistance for many conservation practices to address the resource concerns identified in their forest management plans. Applications for EQIP are selected for funding on a competitive basis, and applications are selected that provide the most conservation benefits. The Michigan NRCS has an EQIP funding pool specifically for forest landowners.
  • Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP provides payments to forest landowners for both maintaining their existing conservation activities and for implementing additional enhancements. Payments are determined by the level of resource conservation in your forest. Program contracts extend for five years and can be renewed if the landowner establishes additional conservation enhancements. The Michigan NRCS has a CSP funding pool specifically for forest landowners. To see if CSP is right for you, fill out the Self-Screening Checklist. 

Forest Facts


Did you know that the Department of Natural Resources manages more Michigan forest land than the U.S. Forest Service? The DNR manages 4.2 million acres of forest land and the Forest Service manages 2.7 million acres. Private forest landowners in Michigan manage more than the state and federal governments combined – more than 12.6 million acres! The state’s private and public forests support rural economies, allow access for recreation and hunting, produce clean air and water, and provide many other economic and ecosystem services.

Important Dates

Questions? 


To learn more about additional programs available to assist private forest landowners, or to find the DNR service forester in your area, go to www.michigan.gov/privateforestland.
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