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Is it possible for a FOREST PRODUCER to benefit from EQIP?

Is it possible for a FOREST PRODUCER to benefit from EQIP?
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat. This voluntary conservation programs helps producers make conservation work for them. Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations. Popular conservation practices that are implemented in association with EQIP are cover crops, forest stand improvement, prescribed grazing, and irrigation. The forest stand improvement conservation practice helps forest producers: • Improve and sustain forest health and productivity
• Reduce damage from pests and moisture stress
• Initiate forest stand regeneration
• Reduce fire risk and hazard and facilitate prescribed burning
• Restore or maintain natural plant communities
• Improve wildlife and pollinator habitat
• Alter quantity, quality, and timing of water yield
• Increase or maintain carbon storage
The best way to learn if EQIP is a good fit for you is to contact your local NRCS office. If you choose to move forward, your local NRCS conservationist will guide you through applying for the program. Applications are ranked, and if yours is funded, NRCS will offer you an EQIP contract to receive financial assistance for the cost of implementing practices. Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year. More information on this process is available on the NRCS “How Do I Apply” webpage: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcseprd1342638.