What a Match Tree Planting Cost Share Program

The What a Match Tree Planting Cost Share program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a state agency responsible for managing Minnesota’s natural resources, including forests, water, and wildlife. This program is funded through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, reflecting a public investment in long-term environmental sustainability. The initiative is designed to support private woodland owners in implementing forest stewardship practices that benefit both their land and the broader ecological health of the state. The primary purpose of the program is to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and promote long-term forest growth through tree planting activities in priority watershed areas. Specifically, the program targets land within the Long Prairie, Redeye, and Rum River Watersheds. By focusing on these areas, the program aligns forest management practices with watershed protection goals, ensuring that tree planting contributes to reduced soil erosion, improved water filtration, and increased biodiversity. The program emphasizes stewardship practices that provide public environmental benefits while supporting private landowners. Funding through this program is structured as a cost-share reimbursement model, covering up to 75 percent of eligible project expenses. Allowable uses of funds include the purchase and planting of tree seedlings, direct seeding activities, and site preparation necessary for successful tree establishment. These eligible activities must occur on open land capable of supporting tree growth. The program does not support landscaping or residential yard projects, and it does not provide direct tree care services to individuals. Instead, it focuses on forestry-scale interventions that contribute to long-term ecosystem outcomes. Eligibility is limited to private landowners whose property is located within the specified watershed regions and meets certain conservation requirements. Land must either be enrolled in a conservation easement or participate in the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act under a 20- or 50-year covenant. These requirements ensure that funded projects are tied to long-term conservation commitments. Applicants must work with a DNR forest stewardship forester or a local Soil and Water Conservation District forester to develop project plans and initiate the application process. The application process is informal and begins with direct outreach to a forester via phone or email. There is no fixed application deadline, as requests are accepted on a rolling basis until available funding is exhausted. Applicants are guided through planning and submission steps by forestry professionals, ensuring that projects meet technical and environmental standards. Because funding is limited, early engagement is encouraged to secure available resources. The program timeline extends through spring 2028, with all approved projects required to be completed by May 2028. While funding availability is projected through this period, applications may close earlier if funds are depleted. There is no formal pre-application requirement, but consultation with a forester effectively serves as an initial step. Contact information is provided through the Minnesota DNR, including a general phone line and email address for inquiries, allowing applicants to receive guidance and begin the process efficiently.

Engage early with a DNR or SWCD forester to ensure eligibility and secure funding before resources are exhausted