BANGOR — U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that federal funding is available for Maine forest landowners to assist with forest land planning and management under the New England-New York Forestry Initiative. Funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Maine is one of seven states participating in this special initiative.

Eligible conservation practices through this initiative include forest stand improvement, early succession habitat development and management, tree/shrub site preparation and establishment, upland wildlife habitat management, brush management, stream crossings, riparian forest buffers, fish passage, forest trails and landings, conservation cover and more.

Forest land owners who would like assistance are encouraged to call or visit their local USDA Service Center by April 6 to submit an application and complete the necessary paperwork to establish eligibility. USDA Service Centers are listed online at offices.usda.gov, or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department. For more information, visit me.nrcs.usda.gov.