Private Forestry Assistance

We offer free site visits to all Lake County landowners. During a site visit, we can assess your forest’s health and recommend improvements. Oftentimes, we walk through the property with the landowner and discuss current management, concerns, and ideal forest conditions. Site visits are for all landowners, whether you’re new to the area and want to learn about your forest, or a long-term resident interested in financial assistance.

There are a few different options available for financial assistance.

We primarily work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help landowners enroll in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This federal cost-share program funds a variety of conservation practices, including management of dead trees on private lands. Lake SWCD foresters will write a practice plan for you to serve as a guide for your forest management project. Work can be completed by the landowner or a hired contractor, after which the landowner is reimbursed by NRCS. We usually start by scheduling a site visit to meet with you and discuss your goals.

Our office also funds forestry projects in priority watersheds. Reach out to one of our foresters to see if your property is eligible. The Minnesota DNR also has cost-share funds available for forest management. Visit their website to learn more.

We are often asked for contact information for contractors or loggers who do forestry work. Here is a list of contractors or loggers we are aware of who work in Lake County.