Woodland Improvement Cost Share Program

The Woodland Improvement Cost Share program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of its broader mission to support sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship across the state. The DNR works to conserve natural resources while promoting responsible land use, and this program specifically targets private woodland owners in rural Minnesota. By providing financial assistance, the program aims to encourage landowners to actively manage their forested lands in ways that benefit ecological systems, public resources, and the long-term forest products economy. The initiative reflects a statewide commitment to improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, and maintaining recreational opportunities tied to healthy forests. The primary purpose of the program is to offset the cost burden associated with implementing woodland stewardship practices. Eligible activities include tree planting, invasive species control, woodland improvement, tree protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, and forest recreation development. These activities are intended to improve overall forest health and resilience while supporting biodiversity and sustainable land use. The program explicitly excludes yard landscaping and residential tree care, reinforcing its focus on larger-scale woodland management rather than individual property aesthetics. Funding is provided through a cost-share model, where the DNR reimburses a portion of project expenses. Most projects are eligible for reimbursement ranging from 50 percent to 75 percent of total costs, depending on the type of work performed. While the program supports a wide range of project sizes, typical efforts range from 3 to 20 acres, though exceptions may be made for smaller or larger projects based on eligibility and program priorities. Because funding is limited and allocated annually, early engagement with program staff is strongly encouraged to secure support. Eligibility is restricted to private woodland owners located in rural areas of Minnesota. The program is designed for individuals who own forested land and are interested in improving or maintaining its ecological and economic value. Although the DNR does not directly provide tree care assistance to individuals for residential purposes, it does offer separate grant opportunities to local governments, Tribal Nations, and nonprofits that may support low-income residents. However, those programs are distinct from this cost-share initiative and do not affect eligibility for woodland management funding. The application and participation process is centered around collaboration with DNR stewardship foresters. Interested landowners must initiate contact via phone or email to begin the process. A forester will assist in developing a project plan, ensuring that proposed activities align with program goals and eligibility requirements. The forester also facilitates enrollment in the cost-share program. This consultative approach ensures that projects are properly designed, environmentally sound, and compliant with program guidelines before implementation begins. There is no explicitly stated application deadline, and participation appears to be dependent on funding availability within each fiscal cycle. As a result, the program operates on a rolling basis, with landowners encouraged to apply well in advance of planned project start dates. This allows sufficient time for planning, approval, and funding allocation. Due to annual funding limitations, early outreach is critical to improving the likelihood of receiving assistance. For additional information or to initiate the application process, landowners can contact the Minnesota DNR directly. General inquiries can be made via phone at 888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157, or by email at info.dnr@state.mn.us. These contact channels connect applicants with appropriate staff who can guide them through eligibility, planning, and enrollment steps. The program represents a collaborative effort between landowners and the state to promote sustainable forestry practices that yield long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Engage early with a forester to allow time for planning and approval; funding is limited annually