Mel Noland Woodland Incentive Program (WIP)
The Mel Noland Woodland Incentive Program funds science-based forest management practices for Maryland private woodland owners through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (Confirm with local forester; funding subject to annual availability)
Funding Amounts: Up to 65% reimbursement of eligible costs; maximum $5,000/year or $15,000 per 3-year period; ~$100,000 distributed statewide each year.
Summary: Supports Maryland private woodland owners with cost-share reimbursement for approved forest management practices.
Key Information: Must own 5–1,000 acres of private, non-industrial woodland and maintain practices for 15 years.
Description
The Mel Noland Woodland Incentive Program (WIP) is Maryland’s primary state cost-share initiative for private forest management, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. It aims to encourage sustainable stewardship and active management of private woodlands by reimbursing a portion of the costs for approved silvicultural practices. Eligible activities include thinning, prescribed burning, pruning, crop tree release, invasive species control, site preparation, and seedling purchase and planting. The program distributes approximately $100,000 annually to dozens of landowners, supporting forest health and productivity across thousands of acres of Maryland’s private woodlands.
