Federal Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) 2026: Cost-Share Funding for Private Forest Management in MN & WI
The Federal Forestry Incentives Program provides 50–65% cost-share to private landowners for approved forestry practices including timber stand improvement, reforestation, and invasive species management. Here’s how to access FIP funding in 2026.
Get Your Free FIP AssessmentFind Your AreaWhat Is the Federal Forestry Incentives Program?
The Federal Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) is a USDA Forest Service cost-share initiative that helps private landowners manage and improve their forested land. Delivered through state forestry agencies — the MN DNR and WI DNR — FIP provides direct cost-share payments of 50% to 65% of the cost of approved forestry practices on non-industrial private forest land (NIPF).
FIP targets landowners who want to actively manage their timber and forest resources but face the financial barrier of up-front forestry costs. With average forestry mulching and stand improvement costs ranging from $200–$800 per acre, a 50–65% cost-share can put thousands of dollars back in a landowner’s pocket after work is completed.
💡 FIP’s most valuable feature: Unlike easement programs, FIP does NOT require you to restrict use of your land permanently. You retain full ownership and rights. You simply perform approved forestry practices, pay the full cost upfront (or work with a contractor), and receive 50–65% back as a cost-share reimbursement. Aspen Land Management helps you select practices that maximize your FIP reimbursement rate.
FIP Eligible Practices & 2026 Cost-Share Rates
- Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) — thinning, pruning, deadwood removal: 50–65% cost-share
- Reforestation — tree planting, seeding on cleared areas: 65% cost-share
- Site Preparation — brush clearing, invasive removal before planting: 50–60% cost-share
- Invasive Species Control — mechanical removal of buckthorn, honeysuckle: 50–55% cost-share
- Forest Access Roads — access improvement for timber management: 50% cost-share
- Prescribed Fire Preparation — fuel reduction, firebreak creation: 60–65% cost-share
Official source:USDA Forest Service Private Land Programs — fs.usda.gov
FIP Eligibility Requirements 2026
✅ ELIGIBLE
- Private, non-industrial forest landowners
- Parcels of 10–1,000 acres of forest land
- Landowners with a current Forest Management Plan
- Land with legitimate timber stand improvement needs
- Invasive species issues documented by a forester
- Landowners not receiving other cost-share for same practice
- Minnesota and Wisconsin private forest landowners
❌ NOT ELIGIBLE
- Industrial timber operations or commercial forest companies
- Publicly owned land
- Practices already completed without prior FIP approval
- Parcels exceeding 1,000 acres of NIPF
- Same practice already receiving EQIP or other cost-share
- Land without active forest management potential
How to Apply for FIP in Minnesota or Wisconsin
Contact State Forestry
In MN: contact your DNR Area Forestry office. In WI: contact DNR County Forester. Request FIP application materials.
Forest Management Plan
A current forest management plan is required. Your state forester can write one for free or you can hire a consulting forester.
Practice Pre-Approval
All FIP practices must be approved BEFORE work begins. Submit your proposed practice to your forester for pre-approval and cost-share rate confirmation.
Aspen LM Performs Work
We complete the approved forestry practices per FIP specifications, documenting all work with GPS mapping and time-stamped photography.
Submit for Reimbursement
Submit invoices, completion certification, and documentation to your forester. Receive 50–65% cost-share payment within 60–90 days.
Ready to Cut Your Forestry Costs in Half?
FIP can cover 50–65% of your approved forestry work. Let Aspen Land Management help you identify eligible practices, prepare your documentation, and complete work that meets FIP standards — so you get maximum reimbursement.
Get Your Free AssessmentSee Pricing GuideAspen Land Management LLC · SAM.gov: UEI TD2VF7T63PX6 · DUNS 14-502-1173