Otsego Conservation District

“Your gateway to natural resource management”

Cost Share Programs

Wildlife Food Plots
If you live in Otsego County and are planning to plant a wildlife food plot you should contact the Otsego County Conservation District (OCD). OCD receives funding from the Otsego Wildlife Legacy Society (OWLS) for assisting local landowners with planting food plots. The funds allow the OCD to cover 65% of the food plot cost with a cap at $500 per acre. Only plots of 1 to 2 acres can be funded.

OCD will help landowners develop a planting and maintenance plan and recommend seed mixes that will produce the best yield. Landowners are required to purchase their plant material at the OCD fall or spring tree sale.

Before the process can begin, the landowner must provide a soil sample from their desired plot location. Soil samples will be sent to Michigan State University’s soil lab. The lab will report back to the OCD on the nutrient levels and pH of the soil. Landowners may need to purchase lime to make their soil suitable.

For food plot assistance please contact Justin Burchett at the OCD: (989) 732-4021.

                                                                                   
Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Program (WHEP)
The Otsego Wildlife Legacy Society (OWLS) has partnered with the Otsego Conservation District (OCD) to provide funding for local landowners who want to improve their wildlife habitat. If you enjoy watching or hunting Otsego County’s wildlife, this program can help increase your opportunities.

Certain trees and shrubs will be prescribed depending on the plants that are currently growing on the property. Goals and objectives of individual landowners will be taken into consideration to determine which plants will be most beneficial for attracting certain animals. For example, bird watchers may want high seed producers, while deer hunters may need a patch of thick bedding cover. After determining the landowner’s goals, an assessment of the property being considered will be completed, an implementation and maintenance plan will be developed, the landowner will be assisted with implementing the plan, and a finial site inspection will be completed. Landowners are required to purchase their plant material at the OCD fall or spring tree sale. Successfully completed plantings will be reimbursed for 65% of their project cost with a cap at $420 per acre. Planting areas must be between two to five acres.

Please Contact Justin Burchett at the OCD: (989) 732-4021

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
NRCS is a federal agency that offers technical and financial assistance to farmers in order to help protect natural resources. Programs and services available include:

• Providing recommendations on establishing conservation practices including:

• Developing conservation plans
• Applying for cost share programs to implement conservation practices

www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov

Your Local Northern Michigan NRCS Office

Diana R. Irizarry
District Conservationist
Crawford, Otsego and Roscommon Counties
800 Livingston Blvd., Ste. 4A
Gaylord, MI 49735

Phone: (989) 732-6526 Ext. 3

© 2008 Otsego Conservation District