For Maine woodland owners the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) and CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) Programs are two potential options in receiving cost-share funds for management of their woodlands. These programs can assist in funding the development of a Forestry Management Plan for a property as well as implementation of forestry and wildlife habitat management enhancements.
Recently Joe Dembeck, Somerset SWCD's Executive Director, presented a webinar hosted by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) that provided greater details on these two NRCS cost-share programs for Maine woodland owners. The webinar can be viewed here:
If you're interested in starting to actively manage your forest, a great first step is to contact your Maine Forest Service District Forester and the NRCS office that covers your area. For Somerset County landowners, your local staff include: