For Immediate Release
Date: October 1, 2007

Contact:
Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
 

EQIP Keeps Tree Plans in the Environmental Equation

Champaign, IL –Illinois’ NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2008 will include the same forest management plan incentive option available for landowners with forested and wooded acres. Again this year, eligible EQIP applicants can receive extra funds designed to develop plans that address stewardship issues and manage woodland resources more effectively. EQIP cost-share funds may also be available to implement practices in the plan.

“The primary focus of our Forest Management Plans special project incentive is to help applicants develop management plans and protect their forested acres,” says Illinois NRCS State Farm Bill Coordinator Paula Hingson. “Eligible applicants will receive $400 to help hire a professional forester who will visit the property, inventory the site, and write out a complete woodland management plan,” she explains.

This Special Projects opportunity through Illinois’ EQIP can help landowners manage their woodland resources better and obtain a quality management plan approved by the State of Illinois.

“With more acres of Illinois forest resources well planned for and well managed, the health and value of our forest resources will be greatly improved,” adds Hingson.

Eligible application areas must...
- have at least 10 acres of contiguous forestland
- be at least 10% stocked by single-stemmed woody species mature to at least 13 feet tall
- contain planted stock or naturally regenerated tree cover
- not be currently developed for another non-forest use
- be at least 100 feet wide
- be able to physically support timber growth and harvest operations
- forest management plans must be approved by Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Areas NOT eligible include…
- Field windbreaks
- Commercial nut/fruit orchards
- Landscape nurseries
- Christmas tree farms
- Land in another Federal Program

EQIP is a popular NRCS program designed to help landowner solve natural resource problems on their land. Last year, landowners in Illinois received nearly $14 million to support conservation solutions that improved Illinois’ soil and water resources. To learn more about developing a conservation plan, signing up for EQIP or this year’s Forest Management Plan incentive, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.

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