FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT: Improve your forest health with proper management
 

Contact:  Christina Coulon, 614-255-2471

COLUMBUS, April 6, 2009 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has teamed up with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry to offer Ohio forest owners a unique opportunity to improve their forest health and value. NRCS’s most popular conservation program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), has over $800,000 dedicated for Ohio’s forest landowners.

This voluntary conservation program offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. That includes private forests.

“EQIP may be a perfect fit for forest landowners seeking technical and financial assistance for a wide range of conservation activities,” said NRCS Acting Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Mark Smith. “From controlling woody invasive plants like bush honeysuckle to planting trees, EQIP can provide significant assistance to landowners on a broad range of practices,” Smith said.

A Forest Stewardship Plan is a requirement for participation in EQIP, explains Smith. Forest owners may contact their local NRCS or Soil and Water Conservation District office, or service forester to learn how to obtain this plan. Additional eligibility requirements include owning or managing a minimum of 5 acres of woodland, restricting livestock from the forested land, and establishing a USDA customer service record with the Farm Service Agency.

Applications are accepted by NRCS on a continuous basis throughout the year to evaluate, rank, prioritize, and select applicants. There is no due date to apply; however, applications received early will be given preference for funding by May 8, 2009. Applications will be evaluated on a monthly basis and approvals made on a regular basis as long as funds remain available.

Interested landowners should contact their local NRCS office or contact an ODNR Service Forester at 877-247-8733 for more information. Information is available on the web at www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov or www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.
.
 

#  

< Back to News Releases