georgia

Georgia Announces a Healthy Forests Reserve Program Sign Up

Dan Conservation, Environment, Forestry, Georgia, USDA-NRCS

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia has announced the application cutoff for the fiscal year 2021 Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) funding. All interested Georgia landowners should apply by May 31, 2021.

Through HFRP, NRCS can help landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private lands through easements and financial assistance. HFRP aids in the recovery of endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, improves plant and animal biodiversity, and enhances carbon sequestration.

“HFRP is one way that NRCS can work with our customers to provide lasting natural resources conservation and regulatory certainty,” said Georgia State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph. “It’s another tool in our toolbox to help private landowners working to achieve their long-term conservation and management goals.”

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Participating landowners under this year’s program will receive a 30-year or permanent easement for specific conservation actions. For acreage owned by an American Indian tribe, there is an additional enrollment option of a 30-year contract. Some landowners may receive safe harbor assurances under the Endangered Species Act by restoring or improving habitat on their land for a specified time.

While applications can be submitted year-round, to be considered for this funding cycle all fully completed HFRP applications must be received by 5:00PM EDT, May 31, 2021. To learn more about HFRP and how to apply, click here.