| Previous Page| -MANUAL- TOUR| Next Page|
The FIP is designed to increase the future supply of sawtimber and related forest products, and to enhance our environment. This will be achieved by promoting the maintenance of productive timber stands, and by encouraging the establishment of timber stands on suitable idle land.
Administration - Is carred out through the ASCS office, with technical advice furnished by the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Farmers apply for cost-sharing at the ASCS office usually located in the county seat. The request is then referred to the Division of Forestry. During an on-the-farm visit, the Service Forester determines that the practice is suitable on the area, and explains how to carry it out. He may supply the landowner with a list of vendors who may contract to complete the practice, if the landowner does not wish to do the work himself. After actual need is determined and referred to the ASCS office, cost-share amounts are established. The farmer then receives notice of approval. When the work is complete, the farmer reports to the ASCS, which notifies the Division of Forestry to check the performance. When it has been determined that the work meets program specifications, the farmer is paid according to approved cost-share rates.
Cost-Shares - The ASCS is authorized to reimburse the landowner for a set rate (currently 75%) of the cost of doing the work, with a maximum amount for each unit of work done. This maximum depends on the particular practice and the current program specification. Check with the ASCS office for up-to- date information. Cost-sharing is limited to a minimum of 10 acres under FIP at present.
Tree seedlings for planting are purchased by the landowner from the Division of Forestry. The ASCS reimburses the landowner for 75% of the cost of the seedlings when the practice is satisfactorily completed. The current cost-share maximum for purchasing and planting tree seedlings is $6.50 per 100 seedlings.
Cost-sharing for fencing is limited to permanent fences (excluding boundary and road fences) needed to protect the plantings from grazing. Plantings are required to be protected from grazing. Current cost-share maximum for fencing is $4.25/rod. Total cost-share shall not exceed $20.00 per acre protected.
Cost-sharing is not authorized for planting orchard trees or ornamentals, or plantings for Christmas Tree production.
Cost-sharing is authorized for thinning, pruning crop trees, vine removal, or releasing desirable seedlings and young trees from overtopping undesirable competition, especially, cull trees. Cost-sharing is also authorized for preparing an area for natural regeneration, as long as sufficient desirable seed trees are present to permit natural seeding. The current cost-share maximum for timber stand improvement is $37.00/acre.
Cost-sharing is authorized for permanent fencing (excluding boundary and road fences) needed to protect a timber stand from the destructive effects of grazing by domestic livestock. Cost-sharing may be authorized for fencing as a single eligible component where it is the only measure needed for successful timber stand improvement. Areas on which timber stand improvement work is carried out under the cost-share program, must be protected from grazing. The current maximum cost-share is $4.25/rod. Total current cost-share shall not exceed $20.00/acre protected.