The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering possible financial assistance for the damage caused by the wind storm in Madison County on May 8, 2009.  The focus of the EQIP - Forest Rehabilitation Sign-Up is to assist landowners with the removal of trees blown over or severely damaged.   Please read the following to help you determine if you are eligible or interested in applying for assistance.

Key points are:

-    Funds are available for preparing a log landing and for removing downed or severely damaged trees from woods.

-    After the trees are taken from the woods, they must be stacked on the log landing and cannot be removed from the property and/or sold until a later date.  The wood products industry is depressed, stacking the logs will allow landowners to sell at a later date when markets are improved. 

-    Livestock must be excluded from the woods after the trees are removed

-    Payment rates will be based on the number of trees per acre that are downed or severely damaged. 

-    MDC or NRCS Resource Foresters will develop forest salvage plans that will determine extent of damage and location of log landing. 

-    This program is intended for larger areas of woods, not wooded fence lines.

-    Application does not guarantee funding.

-    Application deadline is Friday, June 26, 2009.

Applicants will be required to have a farm number established by the USDA Farm Service Agency and be an eligible USDA participant.  This must be completed no later than July 3rd or the applicant will not be eligible for this program.  For more information or to apply for assistance, please contact your local USDA Service Center at 107 Oak Street Greenville, Phone (573)224-3410 Ext 3.