On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced over $1.3 million in funding for 18 conservation districts as part of the Forestry Assistance Program.

“Michigan’s world-class forests are an economic driver for rural communities, serving as the setting for unforgettable adventures and the source of high-quality timber,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These Forestry Assistance Program grants will support active and sustainable management of our forests so that they can be enjoyed by future generations of Michiganders.”

These Forestry Assistance Program grants will support two local conservation districts: Clare (receiving $72,000) and Mecosta (receiving $75,000).

The Forestry Assistance Program provides outreach and technical assistance by working with conservation district foresters to help private landowners make decisions about how to care for their land. Conservation district foresters help educate private forest owners about active forest management and connect landowners with private sector professionals for management plan development, timber valuation and sustainable harvests.

In addition to helping private landowners reach their goals, conservation districts help Michigan landowners enroll in MDARD’s Qualified Forest Program (QFP). QFP helps protect the health of Michigan’s forests by offering a property tax exemption from certain school operating mills for landowners who follow a professionally prepared forest management plan and who conduct sustainable timber harvests. 

The Forestry Assistance Program grant is funded through State General Funds and the Private Forestland Enhancement Fund – revenue that is derived from landowner participation in QFP.

For more information, visit the MDARD Forestry Assistance Program webpage.

Release information and logo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.