Forest landowner funding deadline nears

MACON, GA (October 18, 2007) - The deadline is fast approaching for forest landowners to apply for cost-share funding through a special national program. Applications are due November 1, 2007 for the 2008 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which can help landowners pay for a variety of forest management practices.

   “Many forest landowners are eligible for these funds,” said Robert Farris, Interim Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “A number of activities qualify for financial assistance through this program, including tree planting, prescribed burning, thinning, wildlife habitat enhancement and more. I urge interested landowners to quickly contact their local Georgia Forestry Commission or USDA Farm Service Center office for more information.”

   EQIP was originally established under the 1996 Farm Bill. Managed by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, it provides technical and financial assistance to landowners for voluntary actions that address soil, water and related natural resource concerns on private lands.

   More information on NRCS conservation programs can be found at www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov under “Programs.” The Georgia Forestry Commission website address is www.gatrees.org .