USDA NRCS in Georgia Announces May 31 Application Cutoff for Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)

ATHENS, GA, April 30, 2021 – State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today the application cutoff for the fiscal year 2021 Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) funding. All interested Georgia landowners should apply by May 31, 2021 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Through HFRP, NRCS can help landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private lands through easements and financial assistance.

“HFRP is one way that NRCS can work with our customers to provide lasting natural resources conservation and regulatory certainty,” said Rudolph. “It’s another tool in our toolbox to help private landowners working to achieve their long-term conservation and management goals.”

About the Program
HFRP aids in the recovery of endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, improves plant and animal biodiversity, and enhances carbon sequestration.

Participating landowners under this year’s program will receive a 30-year or permanent easement for specific conservation actions. For acreage owned by an American Indian tribe, there is an additional enrollment option of a 30-year contract. Some landowners may receive safe harbor assurances under the Endangered Species Act by restoring or improving habitat on their land for a specified time.

How to Apply
While applications can be submitted year-round, to be considered for this funding cycle, all fully completed HFRP applications (AD-1153) must be received by Noah McCoard by 5:00PM EDT, May 31, 2021. They can be submitted via email at noah.mccoard@usda.gov or by postage addressed to Noah McCoard, c/o USDA-NRCS-GA, 355 East Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601, Mail Stop 200.

COVID-19 Guidance
While USDA offices are closed to visitors because of the pandemic, Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. To conduct business, please contact your local USDA Service Center. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.