January - March 2013
Cost Share Funds Available for Loggers, Landowners
Loggers and landowners can both benefit from a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) pilot cost share incentive program called the Best Management Practices (BMPs) Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG). The grants are focused on encouraging timber harvesters to use good practices that protect soil and water on private land timber sales in 57 counties across the state.
According to MDC Forest Products Program Supervisor, Jason Jensen, the grant is designed to be a partnership between loggers and landowners as they do business together. If approved, the cost share pays loggers $10 to $20 per acre and landowners $5 per acre to implement BMPs on their timber sales.
To participate, Jensen says, loggers should sign up for the cost share program at their local MDC office. The program requires the logger to complete the Professional Timber Harvester course offered by the Missouri Forest Products Association or attend a BMP training class with the Department of Conservation. The deadline for completion of projects is September 1, 2013.
To find a Department of Conservation office, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov. To find scheduled Professional Timber Harvester training classes go online to www.moforest.org.