Michigan Forest and Water Fund

The Forest and Water Fund reimburses Michigan forest landowners (1-2,500 acres of forest land) up to $25,000 for practices that improve forest health and protect water: High Carbon Reserves, Prescribed Fire, Ecological Tree Planting and Climate Resilience. Landowners contact the Michigan Forest Association, hire a consultant/contractor, submit an application, sign a contract, implement, and are reimbursed after verification. Three pools: underserved landowners (40% of fund, 100% cost share), 15 priority watersheds (15%, 90%), small landowners statewide (45%, 80%). Supported by the USDA Forest Service.

If you are a Michigan landowner who has 1-2,500 acres of forest land, then you may be eligible for your costs to be reimbursed for putting key covered practices in place on your land. High Carbon Reserves additionally requires a conservation easement, a management plan identifying conservation areas (Gap Status 1–4), and a signed statement of intent to maintain or increase forest carbon stocks. Prescribed Fire requires a qualified burn boss, approved burn plan and valid burn permit.

Reimbursement-based cost share at 80%/90%/100% of costs depending on pool; High Carbon Reserves paid per acre ($200-$250/acre); awards $2,500-$25,000; plans reimbursed only if a contract is completed.

Published amounts: Landowner Award Range $2.5k – $25k; High Carbon Reserves $200-$250/acre; Prescribed Fire, Ecological Tree Planting, Climate Resilience reimbursed at 100% (underserved) / 90% (15 priority watersheds) / 80% (small <2,500 ac statewide) of costs. Fund Pool Total $6,400,000.

Landowner Pre-Application at https://www.forestandwaterfund.org/apply-here.html; MFA then provides checklists and an application packet; landowner submits a signed and completed application to MFA; MFA and landowner negotiate and sign a contract; reimbursement issued after practices verified (approximately 30 days).

Deadline text on the page: No deadline published; landowner pre-application form is live ('Pre-apply here! We will review your information and connect with you about next steps.').