The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Connecticut has announced a sign-up period for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP).

The purpose of this voluntary program is to assist landowners in restoring, enhancing, and protecting forestland resources on private lands. The objectives of HRFP are to promote the recovery of endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, improve plant and animal biodiversity, and enhance carbon sequestration. The program provides financial assistance in the form of easement payments and cost-share for specific conservation actions completed by the landowner. There are four enrollment options:

1. A 10-year restoration cost-share agreement for which the landowner may receive 50 percent of the average cost of approved conservation practices
2. A 30-year easement for which the landowner may receive 75 percent of the easement value of the enrolled land, plus 75 percent of the average cost of approved conservation practices
3. A 30-year contract on acreage owned by Indian Tribes 
4. Permanent easements for which landowners may receive up to 100 percent of the easement value of the enrolled land, plus 100 percent of the average cost of approved conservation practices

To be eligible for enrollment, land must be privately owned or owned by Indian tribes and restore, enhance, or measurably increase the recovery of threatened or endangered species, improve biological diversity, or increase carbon storage. Applications are due by close of business April 25, 2023. For additional information or to sign-up, contact your local NRCS Service Center: Danielson (860) 779-0557; Hamden (203) 287-8038; Norwich (860) 887-9941; Torrington (860) 626-8852; or Windsor (860) 688-7725.