Funding application deadline: Feb. 3rd, 2012

Northwest Certified Forestry and its team of NRCS certified foresters have completed the first NRCS funded forest management plans for small woodland owners in WA state.  In 2011, the NRCS began providing financial assistance to small woodland owners through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to develop “conservation activity plans” (CAPs).  CAPs are comprehensive management plans that address both timber management and conservation objectives on private forestlands.  A CAP plan includes the following information:

•     Background and site information
•     Short and long term management goals
•     Property description including: surrounding land use, past management history, and existing management practices
•     Resource descriptions and recommendations including: resource concerns, harvest system description, chemical use policy, and soils descriptions
•     Detailed stand descriptions and prescriptions for: timber management and wildlife habitat enhancement
•     The following maps: stand map, forest productivity, forest practice site class, forest practice water type, soils map, aerial photo
•     Forest management timeline

Click here to view a sample of an EQIP management plan and detailed prescriptions for implementing management recommendations.

Apply today!

2012 Application deadline: February 3rd, 2012

The NRCS is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. If you are interested in developing a forest management plan, we encourage you to apply today for funding. If your project is funded, landowners will have 12 months from contract signing to complete their plan. Payment rates are based on the size of your property. For current rates, contact your local NRCS office. Here are the steps to submitting an EQIP application for forest management planning:

1.    Download an EQIP application from the NRCS website.

2.    Call your local NRCS office for assistance with filling out the application.  Also inform them that you are applying for assistance with developing a forest management plan.

Technical Service Providers
Through the NRCS's Technical Service Provider (TSP) program, private forestry consultants who are certified by the NRCS are qualified to write EQIP funded forest management plan.  As with other conservation projects, EQIP provides a set reimbursement rate to forest owners that can help defer the cost of hiring a private consultant.

Northwest Certified Forestry's field staff are certified as TSP's with the NRCS. Contact us for assistance:

Kirk Hanson
kirk@nnrg.org
360-316-9317

Rick Helman
rick@nnrg.org
360-280-9397