Grant applications for Forest Stewardship Outreach and Education projects are now available from the Department of Natural Resources Forest Stewardship Program (FSP), funded through the USDA Forest Service's State and Private Forestry Program.

Individuals, public agencies and nonprofit private entities [501(c)(3)] are eligible to apply on a competitive basis for forestry projects that provide education and outreach to non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners. The purposes of this grant program include: an increased understanding of the benefits of actively managing forest ecosystems, developing long-term management plans that will achieve forest stewardship while at the same time providing outreach and education to NIPF landowners about forest stewardship, and providing outreach and education to all citizens about stewardship of our natural resources.

All projects must include outreach and education components targeting non-industrial private forest landowners and emphasizing sustainable forestry practices. This is a 50-50 cost share match program. The applicant's matching funds cannot come from other federal funds.

"Private citizens own over 10 million acres of forested land in Michigan. Michigan's world class forests provide wildlife habitat, water quality protection, clean air, a buffer for streams and lakes, and a place for citizens to seek solitude with nature," said Acting State Forester Cara Boucher. "In addition, our forests are important to Michigan's economy. They provide us with forest products, such as biomass energy, carbon sequestration and lumber products, all of which are important to Michigan's economy and quality of life."

Michigan's private landowners and even non-forest land owners are interested in comprehensive information about sustainable forest management decisions. These lands provide wood products to the over $9 billion forest products industry, as well as contributing to forest recreation and conservation. In addition, outreach and education touches all citizens of Michigan, who are stewards of Michigan forests. All citizens use forests, through the clean water and air that forests provide; the opportunities to snowmobile, hike, ride, and camp; the wildlife they hunt and view which live in the forest; through the great beauty provided by forest as well as the many jobs the forest industry provides. It is to everyone's benefit to become acquainted with our forests.

Grant applications that will be considered for funding include management planning for school and municipal forests, outreach and education projects, demonstration areas and ecosystem projects for forest sustainability and health. Grant applications must be postmarked by Sept. 15, 2008, in order to be given funding consideration for this grant cycle. Projects must be completed by Sept. 1, 2009. All grants require matching funds of at least 50 percent. The match may be made up of cash contributions or in-kind services, but may not include federal funds. Depending on the category, grant requests up to $15,000 may be made.

For a FSP Outreach and Education grant application, or for more information, log onto the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr or contact Debra Huff, DNR forest stewardship coordinator, at (517) 335-3355, via e-mail at huffd@michigan.gov, or in writing at DNR, Forest, Mineral and Fire Management, PO Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909.