Grants directory
Forest Stewardship Program
Resource Conservation & Forestry Division, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources; USDA Forest Service administers the federal program through the state division · State program
Free state technical help; cost-share available for hiring a plan writer; no cap stated.
South Dakota’s Forest Stewardship Program gives private forest landowners free technical help and may provide cost-share assistance for hiring a forester to write a stewardship plan. The program also helps landowners implement practices in the plan, including some tree and windbreak management work relevant to wildfire resilience.
Program details
How it works
The Forest Stewardship Program was created to help private forest landowners actively manage forest and related resources, keep lands healthy and productive, and increase economic and environmental benefits. The state says Resource Conservation & Forestry professionals prepare stewardship plans free of charge, or landowners may hire a consulting forester or another resource professional to prepare the plan.
What the money covers
The page says cost-share assistance is available to landowners who choose to hire someone to write their forest stewardship plan. It also says the division provides technical assistance to implement practices identified in the plan and can provide program information to landowners interested in seeking cost-share to complete practices.
Why it matters for wildfire hardening
The page says stewardship plans can cover tree resources that serve as field, livestock, and farmstead windbreaks, living barns, living snow fences, and wildlife plantings. While the page is not a dedicated home-hardening grant, it is a statewide forestry program that can support fuel management and related landscape practices.
How to apply
Landowners can contact their local Resource Conservation & Forestry office. Plans must be approved by Resource Conservation & Forestry personnel to participate in the program.
Timing and deadlines
The page does not list a deadline or funding cycle on the main page.
Recognition
Landowners who have a forest stewardship plan prepared and complete at least one practice recommended in the plan are eligible to be recognized as forest stewards, receiving a sign, certificate, and letter from the State Forester.
Full eligibility details
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