USDA Emergency Forest Restoration Assistance for Private Landowners

Sarah Scheitz • February 15, 2024

Were you or someone you know impacted by tornado damage to private forestland in Livingston or Ingham County? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides programs that provide financial assistance to private landowners to help restore forests. The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) was recently implemented by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Ingham and Livingston counties due to storm damage from high winds and a tornado that went through these counties in August of 2023.

How does one receive financial assistance? To receive payments, eligible persons must be an owner of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land. NIPF is rural forest lands with existing tree cover, or which are suitable for growing trees, that are owned by a private non-industrial forest landowner. Forestland is land that is at least 120 feet wide, 1 acre in size, and at least ten percent covered by live trees of any size. The land must have existing tree cover, or tree cover immediately before the damage took place and is sustainable for growing trees.

After an application is received, FSA conducts on-site damage inspections that evaluate the extent and type of damage of the owner’s land. An environmental review is required before implementation of a project. Forest restoration practices may include debris removal and site preparation, erosion control structures, tree protection from wildlife damage, and wildlife enhancement to provide adequate wildlife habitat. Restoring forests is important because they provide nutrients for soil, habitat for wildlife, and help protect water supplies.

EFRP signup ends on March 22, 2024. For more information on how to apply and program requirements, contact the Ingham County USDA Service Center at 517-676-4644 ext 2 or visit farmers.gov/recover.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides numerous voluntary programs to help landowners manage natural resources in a sustainable way. Information about additional programs can be found HERE.

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MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 15, 2025

MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed! Rochester Hills, MI — April 15, 2025 — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce its 250th On the Ground (OTG) habitat improvement project: a community clean-up of the Clinton River at Yates Park in Rochester Hills. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, this initiative aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats by removing trash from the river and surrounding riparian zones. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, healthier community and environment. Event Details: Location: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Bring: Work gloves (if available), appropriate outdoor attire, and a reusable water bottle. MUCC will provide waders, trash grabbers, trash bags, lunch, and a volunteer appreciation gift. This milestone event underscores MUCC's commitment to conservation and community engagement. "Reaching our 250th project is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners," said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC's Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. "We invite everyone to join us in making a tangible impact on our natural resources." Registration: Interested volunteers should register by Friday, April 18, at 2:00 PM. To expedite check-in, please complete the digital volunteer waiver individually for each participant. Individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. For late registrations or cancellations, contact Olivia Triltsch at otriltsch@mucc.org. MUCC is always excited to work alongside the Clinton River Watershed Council. Their continued efforts to protect, enhance, and promote the Clinton River and its watershed are deeply valued. Together, we make a greater impact on ensuring clean, healthy waterways and thriving wildlife habitats for generations to come.