Another important focus of the Forest Resource Management Program is forest health. Trees weakened by drought, fire, low nutrient levels or mechanical injury are more likely to be attacked by forest pests. Left undetected, insect and disease populations can build to epidemic levels causing substantial damage to forest resources. Each season, the agency conducts a statewide survey to detect forest pest outbreaks. Forest health assistance is available to public and private landowners through a cooperative project with the NDSU Extension Service in Fargo.
Incentives are essential to help rural landowners manage native and planted forests.
Eligible landowners may sign up at their local FSA office for WHIP or EQIP practices. The funding is available for implementing riparian best management practices and restricted to land holdings within the Red River Basin. The Forest Stewardship Tax Law offers tax incentive to woodland owners which they can reinvest in active management. The law is administered through participating counties and lowers the annual property tax to 50 cents per acre on enrolled lands. Accomplishments Technical assistance is provided to over 600 rural landowners each year.