How do I get information on Small Forest Landowner assistance programs?
The Small Forest Landowner Office serves as a resource for people who own forest land. Field foresters are located in regional offices around the state to offer the following types of assistance to small forest landowners:
• Long-Term Application: Landowners may apply for a Long-term Forest Practices Application (FPA) that will be valid for 3-15 years rather than the standard 2 year FPA. This application may require more work than the 2 year FPA, but allows the landowner more flexibility over time.
• Forest Stewardship Program: This program provides on-site forest management advice and help with the development of Forest Stewardship Plans. A stewardship plan could make you eligible for cost share, certification, or recognition programs.
• Alternate plans: These plans allow more flexibility than the forest practices rules typically allow for site specific management plans. All resources must still be adequately protected.
• Forestry Riparian Easement Program (FREP): When harvesting near a stream, a riparian forest buffer is required to be left to protect the aquatic resource. FREP offers compensation to landowners for timber that is required by law to be left in the Riparian Management Zone.
• Family Forest Fish Passage Program (FFFPP): Many culverts on forest roads that cross streams are undersized and block fish passage. Fish passage barriers can be replaced with funding from the FFFPP.
• Forest Practices Technical Assistance: Landowners can find help with Forest Practices Applications and get answers to regulatory questions by contacting a regional office.