Forms and Publications

Program Objective(s):

The objective of the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) plan writing grant is to provide an incentive for certified plan writers to reach out to non-industrial private forest landowners in writing Management Plans.  These plans will provide silvicultural, hydrological, recreational and ecological information that will assist eligible landowners make informed choices for the long-term protection and management of the forest ecosystem on their property.

Criteria:

To receive a Plan Writing Grant, a plan writer must:

1.   Submit the original application Form PR 4219-1.  Applications will be accepted from FSP certified plan writers.

2.   Submit a Memorandum of Understanding between the plan writer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest , Mineral and Fire Management Division.

3.   For each year AFTER the initial year, a Certified Plan Writer must have obtained a minimum of six hours of continuing education training during that year.

4.   Proposals that cause a significant number of forest management plans and acres to be enrolled under the Forest Stewardship programs.  Significance on a Statewide basis or the methods are easily adapted on a regional, watershed or Statewide basis.  A sound, complete plan that will help the Forest Stewardship program attain its goals and objectives.

To receive payment on a grant, a plan writer and landowner must:

1.     Landowner and plan writer must fill out the FSP Land Eligibility Application and invoice
Form (PR 4065-3).

2.     Local Service Forester must receive the prepared management plan and documentation showing the landowner paid at least 50% of the cost of the plan.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a plan writing grant, applicants must be Forest Stewardship program certified plan writers.  A Certified Plan Writer must:

1.   Have a four-year degree in Forestry or related Natural Resource field OR have a two-year degree in Forestry or related Natural Resource field with approved experience and submit documentation to the Forest Stewardship Coordinator.

2.   Applicant must attend initial six-hour training on the Michigan Forest Stewardship Program, either through the Forest Stewardship Coordinator or their local Service Forester.

3.   Maintain six hours of approved continuing education in natural resource management yearly and submit documentation of such to the Forest Stewardship Coordinator.

4.   Remain in good standing by providing professional service in a timely manner.

Application Process:

1.   Become a Certified Plan Writer by submitting resume to Forest Stewardship Coordinator, attending the required training and submitting a signed Memorandum of Understanding.

2.  Complete the grant application and return to the Forest Stewardship Coordinator with a signed W-9 form.  Forest , Mineral and Fire Management Division staff reviews applications.  Applications are approved, adjusted or denied.  Applicants are notified and grant agreements are awarded.

Deadline(s):

Applications are accepted year-round.  Grants are issued annually and all work must be completed and approved by September 15 of each year.

Timeline(s):

Project completion by September 15 of each year.  Grant applications may be submitted at any time.

Dollar Amount(s) Available:

50 percent of the cost of the plan not to exceed $300 plus $1.25/acre (maximum $2,000.00).

The landowner must pay at least 50 percent of the total cost of the plan.

Source(s) of Funds:

U. S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service.

Authority:

U. S. Farm Bill.  Annual appropriation by the USDA Forest Service.

Contact(s):

Forest , Mineral and Fire Management Division/Debra Huff 517-335-3355, huffd@michigan.gov

Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriation:

Amount available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service has not been awarded at this time; however, it is estimated that $65,000 will be available.