USDA Initiative Offers Assistance with Forest Land Planning

Note:  The application deadline has been extended to April 13, 2012.

Applications for the New England-New York Forestry Initiative will be
accepted through April 6, 2012 for current funding

Bangor, ME – January 26, 2012 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Juan Hernandez has announced that federal funding is available to assist Maine forest landowners with forest land planning and management under the New England-New York Forestry Initiative. Funding is being made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Maine is one of seven states participating in this special initiative.

“The main goal of this effort is to promote exemplary stewardship among private landowners by assisting them in conservation planning and management of their private forests to improve wildlife habitat, forest health and productivity, and water quality.” Hernandez said. “Besides providing economic benefits, forests are home to diverse communities of fish and wildlife. Through sound planning and management, our goal is to help private landowners keep forests as forests.”

Eligible conservation practices through this initiative include, but are not limited to, forest stand improvement, early successional habitat development and management, tree/shrub site preparation and establishment, upland wildlife habitat management, brush management, stream crossings, riparian forest buffers, fish passage, forest trails and landings, conservation cover, access roads, wetland restoration, and wetland wildlife habitat management.

Forest land owners who would like assistance are encouraged to call or visit their local USDA Service Center by April 6, 2012 to submit an application and complete the necessary paperwork to establish their eligibility. USDA Service Centers are listed online at http://offices.usda.gov, or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department.

For more information about this initiative and other NRCS programs visit www.me.nrcs.usda.gov. 

Maine's Environmental Quality Incentive Program Website (includes information pertaining to the New England/New York Forestry Initiative)

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