Manage
You have already assessed your property and know the current site conditions, but how do you get to your goals? Make a plan!
Management might be right for you if any of the following apply:
- You've already assessed and know the current conditions of your land
- You have specific goals in mind (wildlife, timber harvest, crop production) and you'd like a plan for meeting them
- You want someone to assess your property for environmental issues that could be costing you money, time, and resources
- You're interested in programs that could provide technical assistance and/or financially assistance
Washtenaw County Conservation District
The WCCD administers a number of external programs in partnership with State and Federal agencies, as well as internally developed programs, that may be appropriate depending on your location and management goals.
The Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent agricultural pollution risks. Also, applicable for natural features landowners.
NRCS Farm Bill Programs: EQIP & CSP
Both nationally competitive programs provide assistance to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is best for new enrollees and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is best for participants looking to build upon existing conservation practices.
USDA Farm Service Agency's CRP & CREP
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) uses federal funds to pay farmers a yearly rental fee for removing environmentally sensitive land from production for a contact period of 10-15 years. The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is the same program, but administered as a collaboration between state and federal governments, as well as Tribal organizations and private entities, to boost conservation in specific regions. Eligibility for both CRP and CREP programs depends on crops, erosive rating of land, and geographical location.
Farmer Cost-Share Program (FCSP)
Cover crops
The WCCD's FCSP assists farmers in Washtenaw County with implementing smaller, low-cost projects. To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Own or manage* land in Washtenaw County
- Is in the process, or intends to enter the process, for a MAEAP assessment or NRCS Conservation Plan.
- Demonstrate a commitment to conservation practices.
- Consider themselves a farmer and not a home gardener.
- And the requested service or resource is not readily available through other federal, state or local cost-share programs.
*Land managers need written permission from landowners for projects
Still not sure which organization to contact?
Take the quiz to find out which one might best suit your needs or check out additional resources below!
Other Management Options:
Prefer a book style PDF?
COMING SOON: You can find all this information and more in the
"Huron River Watershed Forest Landowner's Toolkit".
Contractors & Consultants
Need someone with specialized skills or expertise? Check out our lists of contractors and consultants who can assist with the following and more:
- Arborists: tree risk assessment, tree trimming and removal, pest and pathogen diagnosis, including oak wilt, etc.
- Foresters: timber sales, forest management plans, restoration, etc.
- Native Habitat Contractors/Consultants: Design, install, and maintain native gardens or landscapes; invasive species removal; prescribed burns; education, etc.
- Tree Nurseries & Farms: purchase plants in bulk for windbreaks or reforestation
- And More!
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
Forestry Programs:
- Forest Stewardship Program: Connect with professional foresters to help manage, protect and enjoy your forest.
- Qualified Forest Program: Actively manage your forest for commercial harvest, wildlife habitat enhancement, and improvement of other non-timber resources for an exemption from the local school operating millage. Acreage minimums apply. No public access required.
- Commercial Forest Program: Manage your forest for long-term timber production and get reduced taxes. The State of Michigan makes an annual payment to counties with commercial forest lands to make up for lost local tax revenue. Acreage minimums apply. Public access required.
- Find a professional forester registered with the State
American Tree Farm System
The American Tree Farm System® works to sustain forests, watershed and healthy wildlife habitats through the power of private stewardship by offering affordable forest certification for family forest landowners in the United States. ATFS is internationally recognized as a credible forest certification system. Listing of a forest in the ATFS Verification Database, allows mills, wood dealers and other industry representatives the ability to quickly confirm that a forest has met the sustainability standards established by the ATFS.
Interested in learning more?
Michigan Tree Farm Program