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The WoodsWise East program?s forest management planning incentives are being offered for a limited time. The application period has been extended to August 14, 2023. All plans must be completed and submitted by October 30, 2023.
Woodland owners in much of eastern Maine can take advantage of opportunities for technical and financial assistance. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry?s Maine Forest Service (MFS), has partnered with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIF&W), Maine TREE, Maine Tree Farm Program, and Forest Stewards Guild, to provide incentives for forest management planning for woodland properties 10 acres or more, with an emphasis on promoting wildlife habitats and other landowner goals. Technical assistance, workshops, and other resources regarding forest birds, brook trout, and other habitats are also available within the project area.
The program's goal is to encourage landowners in Eastern Maine to take an active role in stewarding their woodlands. Landowners will have a Woodland Resource Action Plan (WRAP) created for their property by a private consulting forester that focuses on the habitat requirements of three key species: American Woodcock, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Eastern Brook Trout. By encouraging these species, landowners will create or enhance diverse habitats for many other wildlife species.
Incentive payments will reimburse pre-approved landowners for up to 75% of the cost of having a plan prepared. Interested woodland owners in the eligible project area are encouraged to apply. Applications will be approved while funding is available. Landowners can also learn about
- Taking a walk in their woodlands with a Maine District Forester (it?s free!)
- Getting more information including site visits from a wildlife biologist
- Becoming a Maine Tree Farmer
- Finding publications, workshops, and field events in their area.
To apply for financial incentives, or to learn more about the WoodsWise East Program, visit MFS?s website, contact your local MFS District Forester, or call the Maine Forest Service?s Acting Landowner Outreach Forester, Allyssa Gregory at 207-287-2791, 207-441-2895, or by email: [email protected].
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) is providing assistance for local governments, municipalities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private family woodland owners interested in obtaining Invasive Plant Control Practice Plans (IPCPP) for their woods. The invasive plant management program is administered by the MFS and the Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP).
Funded by a Landscape Scale Restoration Program grant from the?USDA Forest Service, financial incentives for IPCPPs are available to public and private woodland owners with ten to one thousand wooded acres in Maine. Incentives are for costs incurred from having a management plan developed by a consultant. The program will reimburse up to 50% of the cost based on the number of acres. Plan incentives will not exceed $2500. The IPCPP provides woodland owners with maps, plant descriptions, treatment recommendations for invasive plants, and the opportunity to speak with natural resource professionals about woodland invasives.
The program's goal is to address invasive plants that choke out native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in the eligible woodlands. A corps of natural resource professionals trained through the program's Invasive Plant Academy will be qualified to develop the IPCPPs. A list of trained plan preparers is available on the MFS Invasive Plant Management Program web page, Plan Preparer List
Landowners with approved IPCPPs will also be eligible to apply for the next phase of the program to receive free invasive plant treatment. Treatment applications for 2023 are due August 14, 2023
- Visit the MFS website for the 2023 IPCPP application.?Applications are due by 5:00 p.m., August 14th, 2023.
- Plans are due by 5:00pm, October 23rd, 2023.
- Access a list of natural resource professionals eligible to develop IPCPPs.
- Visit the MFS website to learn more about IPCPP or call MFS, Acting Landowner Outreach Forester, Allyssa Gregory at (207) 441-2895.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) is providing assistance for local governments, municipalities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private family woodland owners interested in obtaining invasive plant control measures. Anyone with an approved Maine Forest Service Invasive Plant Control Practice Plan (IPCPP) is eligible to apply for treatment.
Protect native plant communities and wildlife habitats! By treating invasive plants, you can provide space and resources for Maine native flora and the wildlife that utilize them. Treatment funds may be used for mechanical, chemical, or a combination of methods.
Interested in applying for treatment? First, review your Invasive Plant Control Practice Plan (IPCPP) for the treatment recommendations offered by your plan preparer. Next, contact contractors who offer the invasive plant treatment services recommended in your IPCPP. Then, complete, sign, and submit a Maine Forest Service, Invasive Plant Control Treatment Application Form to the Maine Forest Service. If approved, you will receive an approval letter.
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