WoodsWISE: Woods Wise Incentives to Stewardship Enhancement
WoodsWISE provides Maine forestland owners with technical and financial support to improve forest health, sustainability, wildlife habitat, and water quality through science-based stewardship planning.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates: Rolling
Funding Amounts: Cost-share reimbursement for eligible stewardship planning and practices; funding depends on available program resources.
Summary: Financial incentives and planning support for Maine forestland owners to enhance forest resilience and stewardship.
Key Information: Must own 10–1,000 (up to 5,000 in some cases) forested acres in Maine; 10-year stewardship commitment required.
Description
The WoodsWISE Incentives program, administered by the Maine Forest Service, provides financial assistance and technical support to Maine forestland owners to implement stewardship practices that improve the resilience, sustainability, and value of their woodlands. The program emphasizes the importance of working with licensed, trained Stewardship Foresters to develop comprehensive management plans (Woodland Resource Action Plans, or WRAPs) and to undertake eligible conservation activities. WoodsWISE aims to encourage sustainable forest management, enhance wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and support the local economy.
