The DNR is reminding landowners about the Emergency Forest Restoration Program that can help private forest owners when disaster strikes.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available for landowners in case of catastrophic damage to private, nonindustrial forests.

The program is offered through the USDA Farm Service Agency and can cover up to 75% of the costs to restore lands after windstorms, wildfire or other damage.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program provides payments to owners of nonindustrial private forest land for emergency restoration measures to lands damaged by natural disaster. Eligible practices include:

An arborist wearing hi-vis safety gear cuts up a downed tree limb using a chainsaw

Removal of downed or damaged trees to establish new stands or allow for natural regeneration.

Site preparation, planting materials and labor to replant forests.

Restoration of forest roads, fire lanes, fuel breaks or erosion control structures.

Fencing, tree shelters and tree tubes to protect trees from wildlife damage.

Wildlife enhancement to provide cover openings and habitat.

After a disaster, Farm Service Agency committees determine program eligibility with on-site inspections to assess the type and extent of damage.

To be eligible for support, the damage must be significant, and there needs to have been existing tree cover on the landscape before the natural disaster, only privately owned, nonindustrial forest lands are eligible.

Cost-share payments are determined by committee. They can be up to 75% of the cost to implement approved restoration practices and are limited to $500,000 per person, per disaster.