1. Create a cost-share program to improve forest health by using forestry resiliency practices.
2. To increase the amount of forest in Delaware.
3. To improve forest conditions to increase resiliency.
4. To promote practices supported in improving carbon management.
5. To support the goals of the 2020 Delaware Forest Action Plan.

Through the cost-share program, landowners can address forest resiliency by planting trees, removing invasive species, and using prescribed fire.

Reforestation Projects

From a pine monoculture or severely high-graded hardwood stand to include oak species, shortleaf pine, Atlantic white cedar, bald cypress, and pitch pine. All species used will be site-appropriate.

• Site preparation practices are eligible for funding.
• Post-planting maintenance, such as mowing and spot spraying, is eligible for funding.
• Tree shelters are eligible for funding.

Afforestation projects

To include any native species besides loblolly pine.

• Site preparation practices are eligible for funding.
• Post-planting maintenance, such as mowing and spot spraying, is eligible for funding.
• Tree shelters are eligible for funding.

Invasive species removal or control

Invasive species are a significant threat to the forest as they outcompete and displace native plant species, impact available food, and cover resources for native wildlife.

• Removal or control of any invasive plant as defined by the Delaware Invasive Species Council as invasive.
• Must be in a forest as defined by the United States Forest Service.

Prescribed Fire Practices

Implementing prescribed fire allows native species that require fire as part of their life cycle to return to the landscape, and invasive species that flourish without fire are removed.

• Install permanent vegetative fire breaks.
• Burn plan writing.
• Implementation measures.
• Other practices that are needed to perform a prescribed fire safely.
• Must be in a forest as defined by the United States Forest Service.

1. The Delaware Forest Resiliency Fund program is open to all landowners, including non-industrial private forestland owners, homeowners’ associations, nonprofits, municipalities, and county government.

2. All projects must be a minimum of 3 acres in size.

3. Eligible landowners can not own more than 10,000 forested acres in Delaware.

4. All applicants must complete the Delaware W-9 form online and register as suppliers with the State of Delaware at https://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov.

5. Applications will be reviewed to determine the level of cost-share payments. Most cost-share payments will be made at 90% unless otherwise outlined below for the specific project area. Landowners who have owned forestland in Delaware for a total of 10 years or less, own properties in priority areas, are limited resource producers or are veterans of any U.S. Armed Forces who were honorably discharged in the prior 10 years will receive a 100% cost-share payment.
6. Prescribed Fire and Invasive Species projects will have a cap of $10,000 dollars per landowner.

• These payments will be made as reimbursements to the landowner once proof of implementation has been received and verified.

7. Tree Planting projects have no maximum payment.

• Payments for tree planting projects will be directly made to suppliers and contractors.

8. Applications will be taken on a rolling basis and approved on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding allows.

9. Forest Stewardship Plans are required for any landowner who owns or will own 10 forested acres after afforestation efforts. The landowner can choose to use a private consultant or a Delaware Forest Service forester.

10. Applications for prescribed fire practices and invasive species projects should include a bid from a qualified contractor who will be doing the work. This is not required for tree-planting projects.

11. Landowners are required to maintain records related to this program for a minimum of three years after the closure of this grant period. The USFS may audit these funds.

12. Any work completed before signing a contract with DFS will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Before submitting the application, please make sure to complete the Delaware W-9 Online Form and register as a supplier with the State of Delaware. You will need to enter your State Vendor ID on the application before submission.

Delaware Forestry Resiliency Fund Landowner Application