• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Forest landowners eligible for grants because of drought

Forest landowners in 49 Wisconsin counties—including Walworth--may be eligible for financial help to replant tree seedlings that died as a result of the drought this summer, state forest officials say.

Landowners who have lost 25 percent or more of trees planted in 2008 through 2012 due to this year’s drought may be eligible to receive a grant for replanting the drought-killed trees, according to Carol Nielsen, administrator of the Wicsonsin Forest Landowner Grant Program.

Neilsen said state Department of Natural Resources foresters have found that the drought has caused tree seedling mortality ranging from 15 to 100 percent, depending on the site, location and tree species.

A DNR forester must verify that the loss is directly related to the 2012 drought and that the applicant meets the program’s eligibility requirements, including he or she:

--owns at least 10 acres but not more than 500 acres of forest land in Wisconsin

--has a written and approved Forest Stewardship Plan that includes the tree planting practice

--has not exceeded the $10,000 maximum in grants per year

Grants awarded will cover up to half the costs for preparing the site and replanting trees where the DNR forester has determined there is a need, Nielsen said. Yard trees, Christmas trees and CRP plantings are not eligible for this funding assistance.

Emergency grants will be available until May 1, 2013, or until all of the designated funds have been awarded, whichever comes first, and the grants will be awarded as the applications are received, Nielsen said.

To confirm eligibility and apply for the emergency funding in Walworth County, landowners should contact Michael Sieger at (262) 594-6209 or michaelsieger@wisconsin.gov.