FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FAP)

The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) is a grant-funded program through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Over half of the forestland in Michigan is in private ownership, and a survey by Michigan State University concluded that only 20% of privately owned forest is actively managed. This program was established to educate and embolden landowners to be active forest stewards by offering free technical assistance.

​This technical assistance is offered to the public in a variety of ways:

• One-on-one site visits with landowners at their properties to guide them through management objectives, arm them with knowledge to be active with their forests, and provide ideas on how to reach goals.
• Referral process to public and private sector natural resource professionals who provide services or funding for landowners to meet their management objectives.
• Navigation through various property enrollment programs, such as Qualified Forest Program (QFP), Commercial Forest Program (CFP), American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and others.
• Educational events, such as webinars, guided hikes, field days, children's programs, and the like, all of which are generally free to the public.
• Writing publications, conducting interviews, and creating educational content for free access for the public.
• Guest speaking at various partner events, including conferences, seminar series, training workshops, professional development programs, and other things directed at both the public and/or specific interest groups.

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​Interested in a site visit, educational event, or reference materials about anything listed here? Please contact Ellie at 231-866-0103 or [email protected], or you can fill out the "Contact Our Forester" form below.

Guided hike at Ruby Ellen Farm in Leelanau county. July 2023.

Northport-area tree planting with ReLeaf Michigan in Leelanau county. September 2022.