Skip to content

Michigan Forest & Water Fund

The Forest Carbon & Water Fund provides $6.4 million in reimbursement funding to help underserved and small family forest landowners implement conservation practices that improve forest health, water quality, and carbon storage.

Created through federal support from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, this fund helps landowners access technical support and cost-share for implementing sustainable practices with lasting ecological impact.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Underserved landowners (100% cost reimbursement)

  • Small forest owners (<2,500 acres; 80% cost reimbursement)

  • Landowners in 15 priority watersheds (90% reimbursement)

Underserved categories include:

• New forest landowners
• Veterans or active-duty military
• Native American tribal members
• Limited resource landowners
• Residents in high-poverty counties (e.g., Wayne, Lake, Houghton)
• Socially disadvantaged groups (by race, gender, or ethnicity)

Where the Funds Go

forest carbon and water fund graph

Connected Initiative: Forest to Mi Faucet

This related project protects forests near drinking water sources. It partners with municipal water utilities and conservation groups to improve water quality and reduce treatment costs by investing in upstream forest protection.

Timeline & Future Impact

The fund runs through 2029. Partners hope it will spark ongoing ecosystem service markets and long-term municipal investment in forest conservation even after federal funding ends.

Fund Partners

The program is managed jointly by:

  • Michigan Forest Association (MFA)

  • Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD)

  • Forest Stewardship Program (DNR)

  • With guidance from the Northern Institute for Applied Climate Science (NIACS)

Professional planning is included with every funded project.

Scroll To Top