Program Objective(s):

This program is designed to encourage private forest land owners to actively manage their forest ecosystems and to develop long-term management plans that will enhance the understanding of forest systems, while at the same time providing outreach and education to all citizens about stewardship of our natural resources.

Criteria:

Proposals considered will be for projects that include management plans for school and municipal forests, outreach and education projects, demonstration areas and ecosystem projects.  All proposals MUST include a component or specifically target the non-industrial private landowner.

Eligibility:

Local units of government, individuals, nonprofit organizations, and school districts with school forests.  Grant funds cannot be used as substitutions for existing program expenditures and may not be used to purchase equipment.  A 50% match is required, with a detailed budget prepared that identifies the source of the match dollars.

Application Process:

Applications must be postmarked by September 15. No facsimiles will be accepted. Applications for each year conform to the same application deadline, September 15, if funds are available. 

Download the Application by clicking here.

Download the Application Information Document by clicking here.

Deadline(s):

New applications will be accepted up to September 15.

Dollar Amount(s) Available:

• Management Plans for school and municipal forests:

-  12-75 acres, 50 percent of the cost of the plan, not to exceed $200.

-  76 acres and over, 50 percent of the cost of the plan, not to exceed $125 plus - $1.25/acre (maximum amount $2,000).

• Outreach and Education Projects:  Maximum $5,000.

• Demonstration Areas:  Maximum $5,000.

• Ecosystem Projects:  Maximum $15,000.

Source(s) of Funds:

U. S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service.

Authority:

U. S. Farm Bill.  Annual funding by the USDA Forest Service.

Contact(s):

Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division/Debra Huff (517-335-3354), huffd@michigan.gov.  

Fiscal Year 2008 Appropriation:

A total of up to $30,000 is dedicated to this grant program. Maximum individual grant amount is between $2,000 and $15,000, depending on the type of proposal. This is a 50-50 cost share match program. The applicant's matching funds cannot come from other Federal funds.