Forest Stewardship

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES - FOREST, MINERAL AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Forest Stewardship Information for Landowners

This information is provided under authority of Part 501 of Act 451, PA 1994 as amended..

The Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) encourages the active management of forest resources owned by non-industrial private landowners (Minimum size: 12 contiguous acres). The purpose of the Stewardship Program is to help landowners increase the benefits they derive from their land while conserving it for the future. This also benefits the community and larger forest landscapes.

Once the landowner has decided to have a plan written, he/she selects a certified plan writer from the list maintained by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). This list contains private forestry consultants and private wildlife biologist consultants who can assist in developing a Forest Stewardship plan. In order to qualify for cost share funds, the person must be listed as a Certified Stewardship Plan Writer.

The landowner and plan writer agree to a cost for the plan. The cost of the plan will vary depending on several factors including acreage, site, number of stands, etc. The total cost of the plan is negotiated between the plan writer and the landowner.

There is, however, a set fee that may be reimbursed for an eligible and approved plan under the Forest Stewardship Program. The formula is:

$300 base, plus $1.25 per acre (maximum $2,000)

50% of the cost of the plan, whichever is less.

The landowner must pay at least 50% of the total plan cost.

For example, on a 40-acre parcel, the cost share reimbursement varies, depending on the total cost and the formula:

40 acres

Cost A

Cost B

Cost C

Total Cost

$300

$700

$1000

FS program

$150

$350

Landowner

$150

$350

$650

The cost share funds are paid directly to the Stewardship plan writer after he/she completes the plan, it is accepted by the landowner, and it is approved by the MDNR Service Forester.

Process for having a Forest Stewardship plan written:

Landowner and plan writer enter into a written agreement.

Landowner and plan writer complete the Michigan Forest Stewardship Assessment Form (PR4061).

Landowner and plan writer complete a Stewardship Plan Eligibility Application and Invoice (PR4065-3).

Plan writer submits the application to MDNR Service Forester for land eligibility approval.

Plan writer writes plan. The plan must include information on threatened and endangered species.

Landowner signs and accepts plan.

Landowner pays plan writer (minimum of 50% of plan costs).

Plan writer submits plan to MDNR Service Forester for review and approval.

MDNR Service Forester reviews, approves or disapproves (note: plans will not be approved for payment if there are outstanding threatened and endangered species issues) the plan.

If approved, DNR Service Forester sends the invoice to the Stewardship for reimbursement to plan writer.

Plan writer is reimbursed in accordance with guidelines.

If the plan writer is not eligible for reimbursement, he/she, and the landowner will be advised.

Once the plan is complete, the landowner should use the recommendations in the plan as a guide to implementing proper forest practices, and also be aware that:

The landowner decides which recommendations to follow. Plan implementation is completely voluntary.

When implementing practices, the landowner is not required to hire or use the person who wrote the plan. Some plan writers provide a full range of consulting services, and others do not. The decision of which provider to use, what services to purchase and at what cost, is strictly up to the landowner. If you need additional information, contact the MDNR Service Forester in your area.

There may be several public and/or private cost-share programs that provide assistance for the practices described in the plan such as the Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). Each program has its own requirements and guidelines.

If you have any questions, please contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest, Mineral and Fire Management, Service Foresters or Stewardship Coordinator listed below:

Name

Location

Phone Number

Geographic area

Ernie Houghton

Escanaba

906-786-2351

West Half of UP

Rich Stevenson

Newberry

906-293-5131

East Half of UP

Tom Stone

Indian River

231-238-9314

Northern and Northeast Lower Peninsula

Steve Kalisz

Cadillac

231-775-9727 Ext. 6043

Northwest and Middle Lower Peninsula

Dave Neumann

Lansing

517-241-9054

Southwest Lower Peninsula

Mike Hanley

Lansing

517-241-1608

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Debra Huff (Stewardship Coordinator)

Lansing

517-335-3355

The Forest Stewardship Program is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest, Mineral and Fire Management and funded by the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry Program.

MDNR NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Equal Rights for Natural Resource Users

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) provides equal opportunities for employment and access to Michigan's natural resources. Both State and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, height, weight or marital status under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended (MI PA 453 and MI PA 220, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire additional information, please write:

HUMAN RESOURCES

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

PO BOX 30028

LANSING MI 48909-7528

Or ®

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS

CADILLAC PLACE

3054 WEST GRAND RIVER BLVD., SUITE 3-600

STATE OF MICHIGAN PLAZA BUILDING

DETROIT MI 48202

Or ®

OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS

US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

4040 NORTH FAIRFAX DRIVE

ARLINGTON VA 22203

For information or assistance on this publication, contact the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, FOREST, MINERAL AND FIRE MANAGEMENT, PO BOX 30452, LANSING MI 48909-7952.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.