Wisconsin County Forestry Cost-Share Program 2026: How Local Funding Pays for Your Forest Improvement
Wisconsin’s County Forestry Cost-Share Program provides 40–75% reimbursement for approved forestry practices through county land and forestry departments — including invasive species control, timber stand improvement, and reforestation. Funding varies by county and fills up fast.
Get Your County Cost-Share Assessment Find Your WI CountyWhat Is the Wisconsin County Forestry Cost-Share Program?
The Wisconsin County Forestry Cost-Share Program is a locally administered program coordinated between county land departments, the Wisconsin DNR, and USDA Forest Service. Each participating county receives an annual allocation of cost-share dollars — funded through a mix of state and federal forestry assistance grants — and distributes these funds to qualifying private landowners for approved forestry practices.
Cost-share rates vary by county and by practice, but generally range from 40% to 75% of eligible project costs. Unlike competitive federal programs, County Forestry Cost-Share is often available on a first-come, first-served basis within each county — meaning local landowners who apply early have the highest chance of receiving funding.
💡 The local advantage: County forestry cost-share programs are designed for small landowners who may not have the resources to navigate complex federal programs. Your county DNR forester is often the same person who writes your forest management plan AND processes your cost-share application. This streamlined local relationship — and our strong working relationships with western Wisconsin county forestry offices — is a major advantage when you hire Aspen Land Management for your project.
County-by-County 2026 Cost-Share Information
- St. Croix County: Contact the St. Croix County Land & Water Conservation Dept. — (715) 386-4680
- Polk County: Contact Polk County Land Services — (715) 485-9234
- Pierce County: Contact Pierce County Land Conservation — (715) 273-6781
- Dunn County: Contact Dunn County Land Conservation Dept. — (715) 232-1496
- Barron County: Contact Barron County Land Conservation Dept. — (715) 537-6260
- All WI counties: Find your DNR County Forester at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ForestLandowners
Eligible Practices & Who Qualifies
✅ ELIGIBLE
- Private woodland owners with 10+ acres in Wisconsin
- Invasive species mechanical removal (buckthorn, honeysuckle)
- Timber stand improvement (thinning, pruning, deadwood removal)
- Reforestation on depleted or cutover land
- Riparian buffer establishment and maintenance
- Site preparation for reforestation
- Forest access road improvement for management
- Landowners with a current DNR-approved forest management plan
❌ NOT ELIGIBLE
- Commercial timber operations (industrial-scale)
- Land owned by government or publicly managed entities
- Work already completed before approval
- Projects receiving full reimbursement from another program
- Non-forestry clearing (agricultural, development)
- Work performed without a qualified contractor or forester oversight
How to Apply: County Forestry Cost-Share 2026
Call Your County Forester
Contact your county DNR forester or county land department (see contacts above). Ask about available cost-share funding for the current year and your specific practice.
Property Visit & Plan Review
Your forester visits your property, reviews or develops your forest management plan, and identifies which practices qualify for county cost-share.
Approval Before Work Starts
Receive written approval before any land clearing or forestry work begins. Starting work without approval disqualifies the project from cost-share.
Aspen LM Performs Approved Work
We perform DNR-approved practices with full GPS documentation, before/after photography, and species records aligned with county reporting requirements.
Submit Invoice for Reimbursement
Submit your paid invoice and completion documentation to your county forester. Receive 40–75% cost-share payment within 30–90 days.
Let Aspen Land Management Help You Access Your County’s Forestry Funding
County forestry cost-share money runs out every year — often faster than landowners expect. Don’t wait until the county tells you funding is exhausted. Contact Aspen Land Management for a free land assessment and we’ll help you identify which county programs apply to your land and how to get in the queue.
Get Your Free Assessment See WI Service AreasAspen Land Management LLC · Serving St. Croix, Polk, Pierce, Dunn, Barron & Surrounding WI Counties