Forestry Incentives Program

 

To bring private non-industrial forest land under intensified management; to increase timber production; to assure adequate supplies of timber; and to enhance other forest resources through a combination of public and private investments on the most productive sites on eligible individual or consolidated ownership of efficient size and operation.

Deleted 06/09/2006 (Funds have been recinded by Congress) 10.064 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Direct Payments for Specified Use. In fiscal year 2001, 7.2 million in cost-share and technical assistance was awarded to owners of 151,015 acres of forest land in 2001. Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-313, 16 U.S.C. 2103. A private individual, group, association, Indian Tribe or other native group, corporation (except corporations whose stocks are publicly traded) or other legal entity which owns "non- industrial" private forest lands capable of producing industrial wood crops is eligible to apply for cost-sharing assistance. Cost-share agreements are limited to eligible ownership of land of not more than 1,000 acres of non-industrial private forest land, capable of producing at least 50 cubic feet of wood per acre per year, except by special approval. This program is available to eligible landowners in the United States and Puerto Rico and is also available to eligible leaseholders in Hawaii. A private individual, group, association, Indian Tribe or other native group, corporation (except corporations whose stocks are publicly traded) or other legal entity which owns "non-industrial" private forest lands capable of producing industrial wood crops is eligible to apply for cost-sharing assistance. Cost-share agreements are limited to eligible ownership of land of not more than 1,000 acres of non-industrial private forest land, capable of producing at least 50 cubic feet of wood per acre per year, except by special approval. This program is available to eligible landowners in the United States and Puerto Rico. Identification as an eligible person, and proof of contribution to the cost of performing the practice. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Eligible persons will make application for annual cost-sharing agreements. Applications may be filed at any time during the year at the NRCS office for the designated county in which the land is located. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular Nos. A-102 and A-110. Not applicable. None. Generally from 30 to 60 days. Participants may appeal to the National Appeals Division. Extension of time to complete a practice may be granted, if requested by the applicant before approval expires or within 15 days after the expiration date. Not applicable. Cost-sharing of up to 65 percent of the total cost is available under the Forestry Incentives Program for tree planting, timber stand improvement, and site preparation for natural regeneration. Special forestry practices may be approved if needed for a significant and unique local condition for which national FIP practices are not adequate. Owners of non-industrial private forest lands of 1,000 acres or less, capable of producing industrial wood crops are eligible for Forestry Incentives Program cost-sharing. In order for an individual within a county to receive Forestry Incentives Program funds, the county or a portion of the county must be designated as eligible for Forestry Incentives Program assistance. This county designation is made by the State Conservationist, in consultation with the State Forester. A forest management plan developed by the State Forester and landowner is required for participation in FIP. None. Recipients are subject to audit by Office of Inspector General, USDA. Maintained in NRCS office and Federal record centers for a specified number of years. Essential factors used to allocate funds to States are based on: (1)the acreage of private commercial forest land; (2) the potential productivity of such land; (3) the number of eligible owners in each State; (4) the need for reforestation; and (5) the enhancement of other forest resources. Cost- shares under Forestry Incentives Program are limited to not more than 65 percent of the total cost. The Forestry Incentives Program is based on annual cost-share agreements. There may be certain restrictions on time limits on certain practices to be performed. Cost- shares are paid when the practice is performed. The assistance is awarded by performance. For more information on this and other related programs, consult the local telephone directory for location of the USDA Service Center where your land is located. If a listing is not available, contact the appropriate State NRCS office. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013. Telephone: (202) 720-1845. http://www.nrsc.usda.gov 12-3336-0-1-302. (Direct payments) FY 02 $7,296,732; FY 03 est $8,456,000; and FY 04 est $7,811,000. $50 to $10,000 per year. Average: $1,781. Program is announced through news media and notices to all applicants and private forest owners on record and all interested governmental agencies and agricultural organizations. Program regulations published in the Federal Register, Part 701. None.