Cost share available to forest landowners and industry

May 17, 2021


Multiple cost share opportunities are currently open for application, and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDF) can help. During the month of May, forest landowners can apply for financial assistance to help establish or enhance their woodlands, and loggers can apply to improve harvesting capacity.
“Supporting Tennessee’s forest industries with financial aid helps keep our forests and wildlife healthy and sustainable,” State Forester David Arnold said. “The goal of these cost share programs is to encourage landowners and loggers to use best practices in their land management and during harvesting operations.”
Financial assistance to landowners and loggers is available through numerous agencies and programs. Each program has different objectives and TDF Area Foresters can help navigate options, eligibility rules, and sign-up periods. Most programs require the recipient to contribute a share of the cost. Cost shares can range from covering 50 to 100 percent of costs, and most have a maximum of $15,000 per program, per recipient.
Forestry programs under the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) promote long-term investments in Tennessee’s forests by providing cost share incentives to qualifying landowners and loggers. The programs support sustainable forest management practices on forestland for timber, wildlife habitat, clean water, and soil protection by providing incentives for landowners to establish or manage hardwood or softwood forest stands. TAEP is also available for loggers and sawmills to avoid environmental and water quality impacts resulting from timber harvesting.
The Duck and Elk River Watershed Buffer Initiative cost share program was created four years ago by a coalition of Tennessee’s forest and wildlife conservation agencies and organizations. This program aims to improve riparian zones, address critical aquatic habitat degradation, and improve forest health in Bedford, Coffee, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Humphreys, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, and Williamson counties.
The Southern Pine Beetle Initiative (SPBI) encourages establishment of pine forest stands that are resistant to infestations and management of existing stands to make them more resilient. SPBI is available to help timber harvesters reduce operational costs associated with harvesting small acreages or hauling distance to a market. Growing new pine forests, managing current land, and reducing expenses for loggers all work together to stave off economic losses and protect woodlands. The USDA Forest Service provides funds for this initiative, and TDF administers the allocations.
Contact your local Area Forester to learn more about these and other financial assistance programs, determine eligibility, apply, and implement a plan. Learn more online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/landowners/financial.html.
Your local Area Forester can be found at  www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/agriculture/documents/forestry/AgForAreaForesterMap.pdf.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.
 
 

Read More News

May 23, 2025
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty is urging animal owners to be aware of New World Screwworm (NWS), an invasive pest that poses a serious threat to livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including pets.
 
May 19, 2025
We want to extend a big welcome to our newest team member, Dr. Josh Zeltwanger, ProTrition’s ruminant nutritionist, who will be assuming Todd Steen’s responsibilities, who retired in April 2025. A native of Francesville, Indiana, Josh grew up on a farm with a small cow-calf operation, where he gained firsthand experience working with livestock. From a young age, he was heavily involved in 4-H livestock projects, further developing his skills and knowledge in animal care and nutrition.
May 12, 2025
The April Round N’ Raise campaign was a tremendous success, raising a total of $37,830.35 to support local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters through the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation. This program allows Co-op customers and members to round their purchases up to the nearest dollar during the month of April, directly benefiting local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the participating Co-ops and customers whose generosity and enthusiasm made this possible. Together, our Co-op community is building a brighter future.