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Department of Fish and Wildlife
Applications Now Being Accepted For Forest Management Plans For Woodlands Owners
Landowners can learn how to properly manage their woodlands through a program being offered through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Activity Plan for Forest Management (CAP-FM).
Woodland owners who have never had a forest management plan developed for their property - or those landowners with plans over 5 years old needing revision - can apply to EQIP for assistance. Landowners may apply for EQIP at any time. However, the deadline for applications to have a Conservation Activity Plan for Forest Management will be June 4.
Visit your local USDA Service Center or conservation district office for applications or for more information.
With more than nine million acres of privately owned woodland in the state, it is important that wise forest management be practiced to help preserve this significant natural resource. A properly managed forest not only provides timber resources, but also can greatly enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, create recreational opportunities, sequester more carbon and increase overall aesthetics.
The CAP-FM is a comprehensive planning document prepared by a certified private consulting forester. The consulting forester will work directly with the woodland owner to prepare the plan. The plan will include recommendations to address resource concerns, such as forest stand improvement, tree and shrub establishment, and more. These recommended practices may then be incorporated into future EQIP applications.
How do you apply? Contact your local USDA NRCS office. You can find your local office by visiting www.nrcs.usda.gov online, and then clicking onto the “Find a Service Center” tab.
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