ESCANABA — Financial assistance is available for forest land projects. Funding is available for private forest land projects through different programs depending on individual landowner needs. Projects include, but not limited to: wildlife habitat projects, game species habitat projects, forest management activities – management plans, timber harvesting, brush control, tree and shrub plantings, wind-breaks, forest health, invasive species control and local property tax reduction programs, etc.

Forest management plans will be written based on individual landowner goals and objectives. It is important that the plan when implemented will achieve your desired outcome.

The Michigan Qualified Forest Program (QFP) provides a property tax exemption for private landowners who actively manage their forest lands. The goal of the program is to fuel regional economies through forest activities and individual tax savings. Three major benefits of the program are: (1) 16 mill reduction in taxes on non-homestead forested property, (2) prevents the “uncapping” of a property’s taxable value when a parcel changes ownership, (3) your land stays private – allowing public access is not a requirement. To qualify, forest land ownership must be a minimum of 20 acres and have a forest management plan written by a qualified forester.

Landowners interested in information on these programs and/or sign-up for financial assistance are encouraged to contact the Delta Conservation District at (906) 553-7700. The District will be conducting a sign-up for landowners owning property in Delta or Schoolcraft Counties on Monday Jan. 25 through Friday Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.