Forestry Assistance Program

Almost 50% of the forestland in Michigan is owned by private individuals.  That's over 8.3 million acres in the hands of private landowners.  Many of these private lands are small parcels, under 30 acres, and are not actively managed.  For many landowners, they are not sure what value their woodlot has, not only financially but also as wildlife habitat, as recreational areas, or for aesthetic appeal.

The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) is offered to residents of Muskegon County to provide those non-industrial private landowners with information on how they can manage their forest resources in a way that will achieve their specific goals.  Management is not always the cutting of trees for financial gain.  A woodlot, or forest can be managed to attract more wildlife, provide recreational areas such as nature trails, ski trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and much more.

The Forestry Assistance Program can help you achieve your forest management goals.  Good stewardship begins with good planning.  Conservation planning begins by walking through the forest with the Conservation District Forester.  During this meeting you will learn about your forest - it's condition, it's potential, your management options - and the forester will learn your goals.

New, a plan is written, including a description of your forestland, your management objectives, and actions needed to achieve those objectives.  Your plan may include practices such as:
      Tree planting
      Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
      Windbreak Establishment
      Forest Stand Improvement
      Timber Harvesting
      Forest Erosion Control
      Invasive Species Control / Removal

Once your plan has been written, the Muskegon Conservation District can help you carry out many of the management activities.  Our office can provide referral to professionals including tree planters, private consulting foresters, industrial foresters, loggers, and seeding contractors.  In addition, many conservation practices are eligible for cost sharing through government programs.  The Muskegon Conservation District can help direct you to the program that's right for your planned activities. To participate in the Forestry Assistance Program feel free to contact:

Muskegon Conservation District.                                                                                                  940 N. Van Eyck St., Muskegon, MI  49442

(231) 773-0008

Conservation

Formed in 1938, the Muskegon Conservation District remains an active participant in conservation of natural resources

Preservation

The District works to integrate sustainability into forest management and preserve 957 acres in Muskegon County for public use

Restoration

Local volunteers help control exotic species and restore urban environments at the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve