Cost Share Program Assistance Programs

Maine Woodland Owners, in partnership with Natural Resource Conservation Service, assists woodland owners and foresters with the implementation of practices to enhance their forestland.

  • Receive help to learn about all of the cost-share programs available,

  • Work closely with our forestry outreach coordinator to understand, encourage the use of, and qualify for forestry cost-share programs,

To receive assistance, please contact:

Olivia Nicolarsen, Forestry Outreach Coordinator (207) 626-0005, olivia@mainewoodlandowners.org

 

Common NRCS Programs for Woodland Owners

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and landowners to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, and air quality. Potential practices include soil erosion, wildlife habitat restoration, and timber stand improvement, helping landowners meet environmental goals.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers incentives for landowners to maintain and improve existing conservation practices and adopt new ones on eligible land. This program focuses on enhancing environmental quality by rewarding landowners for their ongoing stewardship efforts. CSP supports long-term sustainability by encouraging continuous improvements in conservation practices.

Take the NRCS Participant Survey!

Maine Woodland Owners wants to hear from individuals who have participated in Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) cost share programs to help us identify common hurdles such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, communication barriers, or unclear guidelines. This data will be used to streamline the processes related to applying and conducting projects through NRCS programs, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance accessibility, ultimately enabling more efficient distribution of funding and encouraging greater participation in conservation efforts.  

 

Cost-Share Programs for Forest Owners

Olivia Nicolarsen, Forestry Outreach Coordinator and Sean Horan with University of Maine Cooperative Extension presented an online program discussing the basics of NRCS cost-share programs including where to start, programs available to forest owners, and information about Climate Smart forestry.

 

Find a Technical Service Provider

Technical service providers (TSPs) are certified by NRCS to work on behalf of landowners to provide planning, design, and implementation services that meet NRCS criteria. Technical assistance includes conservation planning and design, layout, installation, and checkout of approved conservation practices.

Find a TSP geared toward your forest practice interest in your area by visiting the links below:

 
 

Your Voice Can be Heard

Local stakeholders are best suited to identify and resolve conservation issues in their communities. Local Working Groups (LWG) assist the USDA in matters relating to implementation and technical aspects of conservation programs under Title II of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill).

These LWG meetings are open the public and a great opportunity where you voice is heard. Topics of discussion include focus resource concerns, fund pools, percent local allocation per pool, ranking questions, and required state goals (wildlife, livestock, socially disadvantaged, and beginning farmer).

The following is a list of Local Working Group meeting dates for discussion of Fiscal Year 2026 program delivery priorities: