USDA Announces Funding For Forest Easements in Targeted Counties

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Pennsylvania announced that $300,000 is available to forest landowners in targeted counties.

The funding is made available through the Healthy Forest Reserve Program (HFRP). HFRP helps landowners restore, enhance and protect forestland resources on private lands through easements and financial assistance. HRFP aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, improves plant and animal biodiversity and enhances carbon sequestration.

HFRP funding is available for permanent forest easements with habitat restoration. Only landowners in Adams, York, Berks, Bedford, Huntingdon, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Mifflin, Snyder, Armstrong and Beaver Counties may be eligible for HFRP funding.

Applications are due no later than Jan. 4, 2022. Interested landowners must apply through their local NRCS County Field Office, found at http://offices.usda.gov. To apply, landowners must complete an “AD-1153 Application for Long Term Contract Assistance.” The application form must be signed by all landowners on the property ownership deed.