Funds available for woodland, windbreak projects

Producers engaged in agricultural production or forestry management have until Feb. 15 to apply for fiscal year 2013 funds for woodland and windbreak improvement projects through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative.

Eligible sites include shelterbelts that protect livestock or field crops. The Environmental Quality Incentive Program provides financial assistance to remove rows of old, ailing, and dead trees. The program can cover the majority of costs to plant new tree rows, apply weed barrier fabric or mulch, or install a micro-drip irrigation system.

EQIP can provide financial assistance for heavy equipment to remove large, expanding stands of Osage orange, honeylocust, Asian bush honeysuckle, and other invasive species. It also can cover costs of planting higher quality trees, like oaks and black walnuts.

EQIP can assist landowners to prepare for, plant, and manage riparian trees that stabilize stream or riverbanks and filter runoff.

Landowners interested in learning more or receiving help with the application process should visit the office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, at 301 Eisenhower Dr. in Marion or call (620) 382-3714.