Fremont County Contacts for Wildlife Habitat Programs and Consultation

District Forester

District Foresters are professional foresters that work with private landowners in regions throughout the state. They provide consultation and planning services related to timber sales, tree planting, and improving wildlife habitat or timber quality. They also provide guidance on cost share assistance programs and tax incentive programs. Professional foresters such as Iowa DNR district foresters and private forestry consultants should be the first point of contact for forestry projects.

USDA Service Center

Your local USDA service center houses staff from multiple agencies that can help with a variety of projects on private land.

1. The Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) has staff who work exclusively with private landowners to improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat through federal land conservation programs. They administer the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides financial assistance and technical service for many activities including weed control, prescribed burning, forest management plans, and forest stand improvement. The NRCS is also a good source of information regarding pond construction.
2. The Farm Service Agency administers several conservation-focused programs including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in addition to many loan and financial programs for farmers and landowners. Examples of practices eligible for federal cost-share and rental payments through CRP include grassland habitat establishment, hardwood tree planting, riparian forest buffer establishment, and many others.
3. Soil and Water Conservation District staff provide assessment, planning, design, and cost share assistance to reduce soil loss, improve soil health, reduce runoff and protect water quality on private land.