forestry and wildlife management assistance available … · office can be found in the telephone...

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service • West Lafayette, Indiana

Purdue University

Forestry and Natural Resources

“What kinds of assistance are available to me, andfrom whom?” “Is there money available to helpme?” “Where do I go to get help with my forestand wildlife resource problems?” These arequestions frequently asked by Indianalandowners. However, the answers to thesequestions can be quite complicated sinceprograms that assist landowners are implementedby a number of public and private organizations.The best place to start is with your countyCooperative Extension Service representative.Your county educator will assist you in contactingthe appropriate person and/or agencyadministering the assistance programs best suitedto your needs. The address and phone number for

your county’s Cooperative Extension Serviceoffice can be found in the telephone directoryunder “county government office.” They mayalso be listed in the white pages under the nameof your county.

The principal providers of assistance areillustrated in Figure 1. The brief descriptionswhich follow will help acquaint you with theseorganizations and kinds of assistance they offer.

State Agencies

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Division of Forestry402 West Washington St., Room W296Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 232-4105http://www.state.in.us/dnr/forestry/index.htm

Forest Resource Management ServicesThere are 18 District Foresters who provide apersonal link between the Indiana Department ofNatural Resources (IDNR) and the peopleneeding assistance. Their services are providedthrough the federal-state Private LandownerAssistance program. These foresters can:

1. Develop woodland stewardshipmanagement plans and/or tree planting plans,

2. Provide information and assistance onclassified forest, classified windbreak,forest stewardship, and the StewardshipIncentive Programs (SIP),

Forestry and Wildlife ManagementAssistance Available to Indiana Landowners:Providers, Organizations, and Programs

by Brian J. MacGowan, Brian K. Miller, and John R. SeifertDepartment of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1159

Management Assistance • FNR-87

CountyExtensionEducator

CooperativeExtensionSpecialists

FSA

DNRDistrict

Foresters

NRCS

NaturalResourcesSpecialists

PrivateConsultingForesters

DNRWildlife

Biologists

Figure 1. Principal providers of assistance.

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3. Provide information and assistance oncost-share programs for forest managementactivities,

4. Inventory your forest resources, and5. Provide advice and assistance in timber

marketing.

Provided free on a “first-come, first-serve” basis,these services are a good way for non-industrialprivate landowners to obtain on-the-groundmanagement assistance and information. Becauseof the demand for these services, there is often abacklog of clients waiting to be served. As aresult, the time that an IDNR forester can spendwith an individual landowner may be limited.Contact the above address or your countyExtension educator to obtain the name andaddress of your district forester.

State Forest NurseriesThe Division of Forestry operates two state forestnurseries, Vallonia Nursery (2782 West 540South,Vallonia, IN 47281, phone: 812-358-3621)and Jasper-Pulaski Nursery (15508 West 700North, Medaryville, IN 47957, phone: 219-843-4827).

Planting stock may be purchased at minimal costfor use in reforestation, windbreaks, erosioncontrol, or other forestry purposes. Ornamentaluse or resale of planting stock is prohibited.Order blanks, lists of available planting stock, andcurrent prices are available from the IDNRDivision of Forestry; District Foresters;Cooperative Extension Service and NaturalResources Conservation Service county offices;and the Department of Forestry and NaturalResources Extension Office, Purdue University.


Division of Fish and Wildlife402 West Washington Street, Room W273Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 232-4080http://www.state.in.us/dnr/fishwild/index.htm

Wildlife Management ServicesTwenty-two wildlife management biologistsspecialize in assisting landowners with thedevelopment, enhancement, and restoration of allwildlife habitats by providing technical advice,written management plans, cost-share assistance,and property tax reduction opportunities availablethrough the Classified Wildlife Habitat Program.In addition, they assist farm operators inenhancing the wildlife values of agricultural landsbeing entered or currently enrolled in variousUSDA land retirement programs through similarservices. Wildlife management biologists can alsorecommend additional sources of wildlifemanagement assistance and cost-shareopportunities. All services are free of charge.Contact the above address or your countyExtension office for the name and address of yourwildlife management biologist.


Division of Soil Conservation402 West Washington Street, Room W265Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 233-3880http://www.state.in.us/dnr/soilcons/index.htm

OR


Purdue UniversityHentschel Center, Room 1011220 Potter DriveWest Lafayette, IN 47906

(765) 494-8383

The Division of Soil Conservation belongs to theIndiana Conservation Partnership. Thepartnership includes Indiana’s 92 Soil and WaterConservation Districts (SWCDs), the USDANatural Resources Conservation Service, and thePurdue University Cooperative Extension Service.Working together, the Indiana ConservationPartnership provides technical, educational, andfinancial assistance to citizens in order to solve

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erosion- and sediment-related problems occurringon the land or impacting public waters.The Division’s field staff coordinates andimplements the state’s Clean Water Indiana SoilConservation/Water Quality Protection Programin cooperation with SWCDs and other state,federal, and local agencies. Division field staffalso work directly with landowners/users to helpsolve natural resource related problems. You cancontact your resource specialist at your countySWCD office.

Federal Agencies

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Farm Service Agency (FSA)(See your local telephone directory under UnitedStates Government for address and phone number.)

OR

5981 Lakeside BoulevardIndianapolis, IN 46278

(317) 290-3030http://www.fsa.usda.gov/in/

For more than 50 years, the Farm Service Agency(FSA) has fostered the wise use of the nation’sagricultural land and water resources in avoluntary partnership with farmers and ranchers.The agency’s conservation and forestry programsoffer landowners cost-sharing and technicalassistance to protect soil against erosion andwaterways from pollution, to enhance wildlifehabitat, and to encourage development of privateforestland for timber production.

FSA programs are administered through localFSA offices. In each county, a farmer-electedcounty committee works with people in thecommunity to assess conservation problems anddetermine which measures are best suited to meetlocal needs. The agency also works closely withother federal and state agencies and organizationsto carry out its programs.

Forestry and wildlife practices are offered underthe Environmental Quality Incentives Program(EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program(WHIP), Forestry Incentives Program (FIP),Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and theConservation Reserve Program (CRP). TheEmergency Conservation Program providesemergency help in the wake of drought, freeze,and other natural disasters. FSA also providesadministrative assistance to the U.S. ForestService and state forester in implementing theStewardship Incentive Program (SIP).


Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)(See your local telephone directory under UnitedStates Government for address and phone number.)

OR

6013 Lakeside BoulevardIndianapolis, IN 46278

(317) 290-3200http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/

The mission of the NRCS is to help peoplemanage, conserve, and enhance natural resourcesfor present and future generations througheducation, public information, leadership,technical assistance, and the development ofinnovative programs. The NRCS also providesfederal leadership for the National CooperativeSoil Survey and Resource Conservation andDevelopment (RC&D) programs.

NRCS staff assists landowners in preparingcomprehensive resource conservation plans forprivate lands. Assistance is provided by fieldoffice staffs in all 92 county Soil and WaterConservation Districts (SWCDs) in cooperationwith other federal, state, and local governmentagencies and private organizations. Points ofemphasis include soil surveys, erosion control,water quality, wildlife habitat development, andwetland identification and restoration.

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Cooperative Extension ServiceDepartment of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue University1159 Forestry BuildingWest Lafayette, IN 47907-1159

(765) 494-3583http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/

OR

See your local telephone directory for theaddress and phone number of your county office.

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/

The primary goals of the Cooperative ExtensionService are to insure the transfer of informationfrom academic research to potential users and toprovide continuing educational services toresource professionals. To reach these goals, theDepartment of Forestry and Natural ResourcesExtension staff is available to assist public andprivate organizations and individuals witheducational programs. CES also organizes andconducts educational workshops anddemonstrations around the state. Technicalinformation and continuing education training isalso provided to county Extension educators,district foresters, district wildlife biologists,resource consultants, and the general publicupon request.


APHIS-Wildlife Services1158 Smith HallWest Lafayette, IN 47907-1158

(765) 494-6229

Toll free Wildlife Conflicts Hotline1-800-893-4116

http://www.entm.purdue.edu/wildlife/wild.html

Wildlife Services is part of the Animal Health andPlant Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency ofthe United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA). The goal of Wildlife Services is to helpsolve problems that are created when species ofwildlife cause damage to agricultural resources,private property, or public health and safety.

Wildlife Services recommends and uses anintegrated pest management approach to reducewildlife damage. This approach employs multiplemethods to prevent damage from occurring aswell as techniques to stop damage once it begins.All techniques used are biologically sound,science based, and meet strict guidelines forsafety, selectivity, and effectiveness. Changingmanagement practices, modifying habitat,dispersing animals, or removing specificindividuals may be involved in addressingdamage problems. A combination of theseapproaches is generally employed.

In Indiana, information and control options areprovided over the telephone and leaflets aremailed to the inquiring party. Wildlife Servicescan provide callers with a list of licensed privatecompanies that specialize in nuisance wildlife.These companies provide on-site control servicesfor a fee.

United States Department of the Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceBloomington Ecological Services Field Office620 South Walker StreetBloomington, IN 47403

(812) 334-4261

http://www.fws.gov/

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can provide upto 100 percent of the cost of habitat restorationprojects through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife(PFW) Program. Eligible practices include wetlandrestoration, native prairie plantings, and bottomlandhardwood reforestation. Landowners must agree tomaintain the restored habitat for a minimum periodof 10 to 15 years, depending upon the practice, butretain all other rights of ownership, including theright to control public access. Fish ponds are noteligible for cost-share through this program.

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Local Agencies and Organizations

Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)

(See your local telephone directory under UnitedStates Government, Soil Conservation Service foraddress and phone number of local SWCD.)

http://www.swcs.gen.in.us/

Each of the 92 counties in the state have a Soiland Water Conservation District board ofsupervisors composed of three elected and two ormore appointed county residents. They assistcounty residents in developing resource plans andapplying conservation practices. Each SWCD ispart of the Indiana Association of Soil and WaterConservation Districts, Inc. (IASWCD). TheIASWCD works in conjunction with groups,agencies, and associations by serving as a linkbetween the general public and governmentagencies at the state level. The NRCS assists theSWCDs in carrying out local soil and waterconservation programs.

Indiana League of Resource Conservation andDevelopment Council (RC&D)

The Indiana League of Resource Conservationand Development (RC&D) Councils, Inc. is thestate organization representing the eight RC&Dareas in Indiana, covering about two-thirds of thecounties in the state. Local people initiate anddirect RC&D areas through a council. Residentsjoin together and work with available resources tobenefit their community and improve the qualityof life. The RC&D areas sponsor local forestryand wildlife educational programs and workshopsfor the general public and teachers, and they areinvolved in forestry promotion and relatedcommunity development projects. The RC&Dareas can also receive and administer grants andother financial support for qualified economicdevelopment projects. Councils serving the eightRC&D areas in Indiana are as follows:

Arrow Head Country RC&D

436 North West StreetWinamac, IN 46996

(765) 946-3022

Hoosier Heartland RC&D

5995 Lakeside BoulevardSuite BIndianapolis, IN 46278

(317) 290-3250

Sycamore Trails RC&D

5 Depot StreetGreencastle, IN 46135

(317) 653-9785

Four Rivers RC&D

715 South 9th StreetPetersburg, IN 47567

(812) 354-6808

Lincoln Hills RC&D

Courthouse Annex125 South 8th StreetCannelton, IN 47520

(812) 547-7028

Historic Hoosier Hills RC&D

1981 South Industrial Park RoadP. O. Box 407Versailles, IN 47042

(812) 689-6410

Wood-Land-Lakes RC&D

214 W. North StreetKendallville, IN 46755

(219) 349-1433

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Northwest Territory RC&D

Porter County Administration Center155 Indiana AvenueValparaiso, IN 46383

(219) 465-3555

Private Enterprise

Consulting Foresters

(See your local telephone directory.)

http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/extension/foresters/consult/cfi.htm

Consulting foresters provide a wide range offorestry services on a fee basis. The consultingforester provides management plans, timbermarking and marketing services, reforestation,timber stand improvement, timber evaluation, andother services. Individuals with woodlands orindividuals desiring to manage their woodlandsmay find the service of a consulting foresteruseful. The consulting forester can provideservices on demand and is able to spend timeneeded to provide the necessary professionalservices required by the client.

A list of consulting foresters is available from theIDNR Division of Forestry, your District Forester,or the Cooperative Extension Service, either fromthe Department of Forestry and Natural Resourcesat Purdue University or your local countyExtension office.

Private Associations andOrganizationsProviding Forestry and WildlifeManagement Information and/orAssistance to Landowners

Indiana Tree Farm Committee

Bob Burke2895 Centennial RoadMartinsville, IN 46151

(317) 342-3851

The Tree Farm Program is a national, industriallysponsored program coordinated by the AmericanForest Institute in Washington, D. C. Theprogram encourages sound forest managementand the orderly flow of timber products into

In general, your District Forester, WildlifeManagement Biologist, or county NRCS or FSAoffice staff should be your first contact if you areseeking forestry or wildlife managementassistance. Tables 2 and 3 can be used to identifythe appropriate contact for the particularassistance or service you require. In addition,there are a number of private organizations thateither provide direct assistance to landownersor provide an opportunity for fellowship,support, and information updates on specifictopics (Table 1).

Like all of the state and federal agencies listedabove, some of the private organizations will alsosponsor or develop publications, videotapes,workshops, field tours, or local meetings thatdiscuss their specific topics of interest. Thefollowing paragraphs describe some of theseorganizations active in Indiana. Otherorganizations or local groups may exist whichare also of interest. Your District Forester,Wildlife Management Biologist, or countyExtension educator can help you identify these.

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commercial market channels. To qualify as a TreeFarm, a woodland must be:

• Privately owned• Managed for repeated forest crops• Protected from potentially destructive agents

such as grazing, insects, disease, and fire• At least 10 acres in size

A professional forester will inspect the woodlandto determine if the woodland meets the Tree FarmProgram’s criteria for acceptance into the system.Interested woodland owners should contact theprogram through the above address. The ownersof approved woodlands receive the familiar, greenand white Tree Farm sign, woodland managementinformation, and publications of interestpertaining to woodland management.

Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association (ICTGA)

Harold Kingma, Executive Secretary8910 West 100 NorthDemott, IN 46310

(219) 987-2847

http://www.indianachristmastree.com/

The ICTGA is an organization of Christmas treegrowers and technical people dedicated to theinterests of the Christmas tree growing industryin Indiana.

The objectives of ICTGA are to promote theproduction of high-quality Christmas trees,engage in publicity and educational activities forthe membership, encourage and finance researchrelating to production and marketing of Christmastrees, and keep its membership enlightened onnew production techniques through meetings,tours, and research reports. Membership includesa subscription to the quarterly ICTGA Newsletterand Christmas Tree Magazine.

Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association

P. O. Box 2102Indianapolis, IN 46206

OR

John Seifert6120 E C.R. 175 N.Butlerville, IN 47223

(812) 873-6713

[email protected]

The Indiana Forestry and Woodland OwnersAssociation (IFWOA) is a nonprofit organizationof forest landowners, forestry professionals, forestindustries, and others interested in proper andefficient management of their woodlands. TheIFWOA unites people that have a commoninterest in objectives such as forest conservation,forest management, forestland investment, forestwildlife, and tree planting. Members of IFWOAreceive training on many forestland subjects,including tax management, timber standimprovement, walnut plantation establishmentand care, maximizing income from timber sales,hunter management, and crop tree management.The IFWOA also provides seminars anddiscussions on trespass and rights-of-wayconcerns, as well as current issues in forestlegislation. The IFWOA cooperates with anothernonprofit organization, the Indiana ForestryEducation Foundation (IFEF), on educationalefforts with youth.

The Walnut Council

John Allen, Executive Director3094 East Private Road, 125 NorthLogansport, IN 46947

(219) 722-5298

The Walnut Council is a nonprofit association oflandowners, foresters, and academic and industrypeople interested in the growing and utilization ofthe black walnut (Juglans nigra). Theorganization sponsors quarterly bulletins to

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provide a transfer of technical information fromresearchers to property owners and managers.

The annual meeting of The Walnut Council,usually held the first weekend in August, is themost comprehensive collection of walnutexperience and knowledge to be found. The fieldtrips and technical services are well organized andhighly prized for their “hands-on” approach.

Quail Unlimited

10364 South 950 E.Stendal, IN 47585

http://www.qu.org

Quail Unlimited is a national, nonprofitconservation organization dedicated to thepreservation and reestablishment of crucial uplandgame bird habitat vitally needed to sustain healthypopulations of quail and other upland game birdspecies. These goals are achieved through habitatmanagement and public education programs

Phea

sant

s Fo

reve

r

Table 1. Services provided by each private organization.

Qua

il U

nlim

ited

Indi

ana

Tree

Farm

Com

mitt

ee

The

Wal

nut

Coun

cil

Indi

ana

Wild

life

Fede

ratio

n

Indi

ana

Fore

stry

and

Woo

dlan

d O

wne

rsAs

soci

atio

n (IF

WO

A)

Indi

ana

Chri

stm

as T

ree

Gro

wer

s As

soci

atio

n(IC

TGA)

Equipment loan to landowners

Seed provided to landowners

Volunteer assistance with habitatimprovement project

Field tours and sponsoredmanagement workshops

Publications onmanagement information

Regular meetings

Magazines

Newsletters

Legislative activities

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ORGANIZATION

SERVICE

9


conducted by its nationwide network of localchapters. Quail Unlimited chapters across theHoosier State are providing free seed, loaningspecialized equipment to landowners (such aswarm season grass drills and root plows), and insome cases, planting and prescribed fireassistance. They sponsor educational workshopsrelated to wildlife management. Landownersinterested in learning more about Quail Unlimitedhabitat and conservation projects can contact theabove address.

Pheasants Forever

40 Crater Lake DriveSpringfield, IL 62707

(217) 498-7558

http://www.pheasantsforever.org/index.html

Pheasants Forever is a nonprofit organizationdedicated to the protection and enhancement ofpheasant and other upland wildlife populationsthrough habitat improvement, public awarenessand education, and land management benefitinglandowners and wildlife alike. Pheasants Foreveris fortified by a unique system of county chaptersthat provide incentives for sportsmen andsportswomen to raise money: 100 percent of thefunds raised by the chapters, exclusive ofmembership fees, remain at the chapter level forlocal habitat projects on private and public lands.

Habitat projects could include food plotestablishment, windbreak and hedgerow plantingsfor winter cover, grass/legume plantings fornesting cover, wetland restorations, and landacquisitions. Chapter leaders, with help fromresource professionals establish these programs,customized to meet the needs of upland wildlifein their area. Landowners interested incooperating with Pheasants Forever on habitatimprovement projects should contact the addressabove for the nearest local chapter.

DiscussionOne obstacle many people find when selecting a

conservation program is that a single program byitself will not meet their needs. However, manyprograms can complement each other in meetingthe goals for a specific project. The followingexamples may give you ideas for a conservationplan on your property, as well as economicincentives to do them.

Do you have acres that are highly erodible,subject to scour erosion, or hard to farm? If so,consider if this acreage would serve you better inthe Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) oranother erosion control program (no-till, pasture,woodland, etc.). In many cases, CRP is the mostcost-effective. To determine if your land qualifiesfor the CRP program, meet with your local NRCSrepresentative. Your NRCS representative canalso help you decide which cover practices bestsuit your needs.

You must enroll your land for the CRP programduring designated periods; however, you mayenroll in the Continuous CRP program at anytime.You may be referred to an IDNR District Foresteror District Wildlife Biologist to receive moredetailed information on the design andestablishment of your selected practice (treeplanting, wildlife habitat, etc.).

Do you have wet areas in your fields thatperiodically don’t dry out in time to plant orfrequently produce poor crops? If a ditch or tilescurrently drains this land, the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service could restore this area to awetland at no cost to you. Furthermore, if thiswet area is in a highly erodible field, this wetlandcould be entered into the CRP program, earningannual payments that could be guaranteed for 10years (generally, payments may be similar to cashrent rates). Wetlands not eligible for CRP mightbe eligible for the Wetland Reserve Program(WRP), which essentially pays for an easement onthe acreage up to the fair market value of the land.In addition, your tax assessment could be reducedto $1 per acre by enrolling the wetland andsurrounding acreage in the Classified WildlifeHabitat Program.

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Contact the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service abouttheir wetland restoration program, your countyNRCS representative about CRP or WRP, andyour District Wildlife Biologist to enroll in theClassified Wildlife Habitat Program.

Certain previously cropped wetlands or marginalcroplands enrolled in CRP can be reforested.This is a very attr.3ºive option for the farmer andis beneficial to wildlife. You can plant these areasto trees that could be marketed for timber, andyou will receive payments for 15 years rather than10 years for other practices. FSA will provide upto 50 percent cost share assistance to establish andmaintain the planting, and you will be eligible for65 percent cost share to maintain and improve theplanting after CRP expires. You can purchaselow-cost seedlings from the state nursery, and alsoenter the area into the Classified Forest Program,which would reduce your tax assessment to about$1 per acre. To explore these options, contact yourNRCS District Conservationist, your IDNRDistrict Forester, and your FSA office (in that order).

Do you have any ditches or streams on yourproperty? Consider establishing a vegetativefilterstrip along this area. Filterstrips can beplanted to trees or grasses. Cost-share moneymay be available through FSA or NRCS for theirestablishment. For example, you can receive CRPpayments for this practice (if the filterstrip is 66to 99 feet wide) and create wildlife habitat at thesame time while developing your conservationplan. In addition, you can enter areas up to 100feet wide into the Classified Filterstrip Program(contact your county surveyor). This reducesyour tax assessment to $1 per acre for thefilterstrip.

This practice has the added benefit of improvingwater quality by reducing soil erosion, pesticiderunoff, and maintenance to adjacent streams.Trees and shrubs are efficient at removingnutrients from the area, and therefore, areattractive options for this application. In addition,

careful selection of woody plant materials mayprovide a marketable crop (for example, timber,nuts, berries, or cut branches for floriculturemarket). Contact your IDNR District Forester foradvice on plant material most suited for your soilconditions. These filterstrips may also serve astravel corridors for wildlife to move from onepatch of habitat to another, and can connectisolated habitats to make enrollment in theClassified Wildlife Habitat Program possible (15acre minimum of connected acreage; adjacentriparian areas can be a part of the enrolledhabitat). Contact your local WildlifeManagement Biologists and local NRCSrepresentative to enroll in these programs and foradvice on the best types of vegetation to plant.

Do you have large fields needing a windbreak?Consider the Classified Windbreak Act. Thisprogram reduces your tax assessment on thisacreage to $1 per acre. Windbreaks provideexcellent wildlife habitat, reduce wind and soilerosion, increase crop yields due to reducedtranspirational loss, and increase snow retention.In addition, you receive free technical assistanceand free seedlings for any field windbreakplantings approved by a District Forester. Theseareas may also be entered into CRP for 15 yearsor WHIP for 5 years, and may be eligible for cost-share money to establish plantings. Contact yourIDNR District Forester for details.

SummaryThe number of available programs andorganizations that administer them can beconfusing. The main thing is to first consideryour farm operation, then determine your long-range management plan for your property. Withthis accomplished, the rest will fall into place.Your basic course of action is already decided;you only need to determine which programs bestfit within your objectives. The competentprofessionals at each agency listed in the attachedtables can assist you.

www.fnr.purdue.edu/extension/extwelcome.html

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Table 2. Summary of forestry assistance.

Technical Assistance

• Mark timber

• Plant trees

• Order seedlings

• Administer timber sales

• Perform TSI

• Timber appraisals

• Mark TSI

• Management plan

• Forest inventory

• Tree planting advice

• Advice on obtaining tree seedlings

• Timber marketing advice

• Wetland determination

• Develop conservation compliance plans

• Determine eligibility for CRP programand design and approve cover practicesfor enrollment

• Advice on and design of soil and waterconservation practices (e.g., windbreaks,filterstrips, & shelterbelts)

• Assistance on resource plans andconservation practices

• Equipment loan

Assistance Description and Requirements Organization(s) Providing Assistance

123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123

Consulting forester:Fee charged on an hourly or dailybasis,or percentage of timber sale

IDNR-District forester:Limited amount of time available tospend with each landowner

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):Landowner must be willing to implementrecommendations

Soil Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs):

Rent agreement or other arrangement required

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Table 2. Summary of forestry assistance (continued).


12341234123412341234123412341234

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

IDNR, Division of Forestry

Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS)

Cost Share

• Forest Improvement Program (FIP)

Must manage wooded area or plantation of at least 10acres in size for timber production. Eligible practices:tree planting, timber stand improvement, site preparationfor natural regeneration.

• Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP)

Serves to cover practices not covered in other programs.Must develop a stewardship plan. Eligible practices:management plans, tree planting, timber stand improvement,site preparation for natural regeneration, fencing, rodent anddeer control, field windbreak, farmstead windbreak.

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Up to 75% cost-share for conservation practices in accordancewith 5- to 10- year contracts. Cropland, rangeland, grazingland and other agricultural lands are eligible.

Lease Incentive Payment

• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Provides 50% cost-share for establishing permanent cover andconservation practices, and annual rental payments for landenrolled in 10-15 year contracts. Land that is highly erodible,cropped wetlands, subject to scour erosion, located in a CRPpriority area, associated with non-cropped wetlands areeligible, OR land planted to a high-priority conservation practice(filterstrips, riparian buffers, waterways, shelterbelts, fieldwindbreaks, living snow fence, or shallow water areas forwildlife). May not use other cost-share programs on CRP lands.

Tax Incentives

• Classified Forest Act (reduce tax assessment to $1/ac.)

Must have a minimum of 10 wooded acres, must pay up to 10years of back taxes if land withdrawn, must completeapplication and have enrolled area surveyed.

Loans

• (up to $200,000 direct real estate, or $700,000guaranteed loans)

Must own or lease a farm, and operate the farm for alarge portion of total income.

Grants

Contact local RC&D for details. RC&D

123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123


IDNR, Division of Forestry


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Technical Assistance

• Wildlife Management Plan

• Habitat development advice

• Roadside habitat development

• Wetland development or enhancement

• Native warm season grass establishment advice

• Advice on obtaining and planting tree andshrub seedlings

• Advice and design of soil and waterconservation practices (e.g., windbreak,filterstrip, and shelterbelt)

• Wetland determination

• Develop conservation plans

• Determine eligibility for CRP program, designand approve cover practices for enrollment

• Advice on soil suitability for grass and shrub species

• Soil amendment recommendations for grass andshrub plantings

• Free seed or woody seedlings for wildlife food plotson set aside acreage or idle areas (in some cases,may share cost or provide labor for establishment)

• Equipment loan (rent or other arrangement)

• Animal damage information

• Wetland restoration

Table 3. Summary of wildlife assistance.


Consulting forester:Fee charged for services

IDNR-Division of Fish & Wildlife/Wildlife Management Biologist:

Landowner must be willing toimplement practices

Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS):

No requirements

Pheasants Forever:Must be a local chapter in your areawhich offers this service

Seed companies

123123123123123123123123

123412341234123412341234123412341234

123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123123

County Extension Educator:No requirements

123412341234123412341234123412341234

Quail Unlimited:Must be a local chapter in your areawhich offers this service

USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services:No requirements

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services:Restores natural wetlands that were previouslydrained through ditch or tile drainage. Mustagree to maintain wetland for 10 years. Allequipment and manpower provided free to landowner.

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Table 3. Summary of wildlife assistance (continued).


IDNR, Division of Forestry and


Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS)

Cost Share

• Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Program

Offers technical and financial assistance for landownersto reduce non-point source sediment and nutrientpollution of surface waters.

• Agricultural Conservation Program

Technical and financial assistance for installation ofBest Management Practices that reduce soil erosionand off-site sedimentation and nutrients fromagricultural land.

• Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP)

Serves to cover practices not covered in other programs.Must develop a stewardship plan. Eligible practices:management plans, tree planting, timber standimprovement, site preparation for natural regeneration,fencing, rodent and deer control, field windbreak,farmstead windbreak.

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Up to 75% cost-share for conservation practices inaccordance with 5- to 10- year contracts. Cropland,rangeland, grazing land and other agricultural landsare eligible.

• Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Up to 75% cost-share for establishment of selectedconservation practices. No cropping history required.

• Game Bird Habitat Stamp Program (receive up to $100/ac.)

Must own or control over 10 acres. Parcel to be developedis a minimum of 5 ac. and maximum of 40 ac. Willing toprotect and maintain improvements for at least 3 years.Parcel is not part of commercial shooting preserve. Eligiblepractices: permanent wildlife habitat, vegetation management,fencing, crops left unharvested, land purchase.

• Wildlife Habitat Cost Share (receive up to 90% cost-shareor $1,000/year)

Must own or control over 10 acres. Parcel is not part ofcommercial shooting preserve. Eligible practices:permanent wildlife habitat, windbreaks, brushpiles,vegetation management, wetland development.

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IDNR, Division of SoilConservation/SWCDs

IDNR, Division of Fish & WildlifeManagement Biologists

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Table 3. Summary of wildlife assistance (continued).


Lease Incentive Payment

• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Provides 50% cost-share for establishing permanentcover and conservation practices, and annual rentalpayments for land enrolled in 10-15 year contracts.Land that is highly erodible, cropped wetlands, subjectto scour erosion, located in a CRP priority area,associated with non-cropped wetlands are eligible,OR land planted to a high-priority conservation practice(filterstrips, riparian buffers, waterways, shelterbelts,field windbreaks, living snow fence, or shallow waterareas for wildlife). May not use other cost-shareprograms on CRP lands.

Loans

• Up to $200,000 direct real estate, or $700,000guaranteed loans.

Must own or lease a farm and operate the farm for alarge portion of total income.

Tax Incentives

• Classified Wildlife Habitat Act (reduce taxassessment to $1/acre)

Minimum of 15 acres (less than 10 forested acres),must pay for initial survey, must pay up to 10 yearsback taxes if withdrawn, can’t raise a commodity onenrolled land.

• Classified Filterstrip (reduce tax assessmentto $1/acre)

Minimum of 20' total width, and maximum of 100' oneach side of stream.

Grants

Contact local RC&D office for details.

IDNR, Division of SoilConservation

IDNR, Division of Fish & Wildlife

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RC&D

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