Sustainable forest management keeps woodlands healthy and thriving.
Forest land in the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) make up the mass majority of our landscape. Privately owned forest land combined with the Hiawatha National Forest and State Forest land the EUP is roughly 70% forested. Many of the privately owned tracks of land go un-managed or are managed incorrectly. Properly managed forest land leads to more sustainable production for the forest industry, better fish/wildlife habitat, better outdoor recreation and assure future generations can enjoy the land the same as now.
CLMCD provides technical assistance, education, and consulting services to guide private landowners in the right direction. Some of those programs are below:
FAP aims to help private landowners better manage their forested property by providing guidance and education. Our forester can assist landowners with all their objectives and help them achieve their goals.
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The purpose of the Qualified Forest Program is to encourage private forestland owners to manage their land in an economically viable and environmentally sustainable manner. Landowners receive a tax exemption for developing and implementing a forest management plan. Private landowners with 20-640 acres of forested land are eligible.
The American Tree Farm System® is a network of 74,000 family forest owners sustainably managing 19 million acres of forestland. ATFS is the largest and oldest sustainable woodland system in the United States, internationally recognized, meeting strict third-party certification standards.
The American Tree Farm System® is a program of the American Forest Foundation. For over 75 years, ATFS has enhanced the quality of America’s woodlands by giving forest owners the tools they need to keep their forests healthy and productive. Stemming the loss of America’s woodlands is vital to our country’s clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and producing the jobs, wood and paper products we all need.]
MAEAP aims to help farmers, but includes private forestland owners. Landowners undertake voluntary management changes that will reduce the threat of groundwater contamination and improve the quality of our local watersheds. MAEAP is voluntary, confidential, and FREE!
NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to landowners through a variety of programs funded through the Farm Bill. CLMCD is happy to provide guidance and assistance navigating these programs as we share their resources and are co-located in their office.
MSUE offers state wide programming for landowners with local offices in Chippewa County. Although financial assistance isn't generally offered through MSUE many other services are available for all landowners. CLMCD is a proud partner with MSUE in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties and we provide program support when ever possible.
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