The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) emphasizes voluntary, science-based assistance to help private forest landowners and managers improve their forest resource. NRCS conservationists work with private forest landowners and managers to plan and install forestry practices that can improve growth, reduce risk, and improve forest health while addressing other landowner goals, such as wildlife habitat or livestock grazing considerations. Some of our forestry conservation resources are listed below.
Forestry is an eligible land use under the EQIP program, and all EQIP eligibility requirements apply. EQIP provides payments for implementing conservation practices on forest land that have a positive environmental impact, while protecting long term production and sustainability. Applicants must have an interest in an agricultural (forestry) operation, have current producer records on file with USDA’s Farm Service Agency, and be compliant with the conservation provisions of the current farm bill. Applicants with forest land must have a Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) for their operation prepared by a certified forestry consultant. NRCS will review the Forest Stewardship Plan and determine the conservation practices that are recommended to improve environmental quality both on and off site. If the applicant does not have a Forest Stewardship Plan, they may sign up for a Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) to receive financial assistance to have one developed for their operation.
EQIP Conservation Practices for Forest Land
| Resource Concern |
Eligible Practices on Forest Land |
| Reduce soil erosion or sedimentation |
Critical Area Planting, Forest Stand Improvement, Streambank and Shoreline Protection, Tree & Shrub Establishment, Forest Trails & Landings
|
| Promote forest soil quality |
Critical Area Planting, Forest Stand Improvement, Tree & Shrub Establishment |
| Enhance habitat for wildlife species of concern |
Access Control, Brush Management, Firebreak, Forest Stand Improvement, Fish Passage, Prescribed Burning, Tree & Shrub Establishment, Tree & Shrub Site Preparation |
| Improve ecologic conditions for desirable forest species |
Forest Stand Improvement, Prescribed Burning, Tree & Shrub Establishment, Tree & Shrub Site Preparation |
Windbreaks and Shelterbelts
The NRCS Plant Materials Program develops plants and technology for use in establishing windbreaks or shelterbelts. These vegetative barriers are made up of trees, shrubs and/or grasses planted to provide shelter from the wind and to protect against soil erosion. Properly designed windbreaks can reduce the cost of energy for homes and support buildings while providing habitat for wildlife. Publications and more information is on the Plant Materials Program website.
A series of publications designed to aid the private landowner in the use of windbreaks for conservation and improved agricultural production has been jointly sponsored by the University of Nebraska, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, North Dakota State University, and the Forest Stewardship Program of the Nebraska Forest Service. Its goal is to encourage the proper management of all our woodland resources.
Other Forestry Resources
US Forest Service
USDA NRCS National Forestry Manual
USDA National Agroforestry Center
State of Alaska - Division of Forestry
National Association of State Foresters, Alaska Forest Action Plan
Contact
Scott Crockett
State Resource Conservationist
Phone: 907-761-7758
Email: Scott.Crockett@ak.usda.gov
Samia Savell
Resource Conservationist
Phone: 907-586-7220, ext. 100
Email: Samia.Savell@ak.usda.gov
