The Northern Lower Peninsula Deer Habitat Improvement Program (DHIP) is a grant program designed to improve deer habitat to assist in reducing the transmission of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) and agricultural damage caused by deer. The focus area for 2021 is private land in the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle. Grant applications will be accepted for a minimum funding amount of $500 and a maximum of $5,000. Examples of desired habitat improvement projects include but are not limited to: wildlife opening creation, rehabilitation, or existing opening maintenance; conifer plantings, and increasing hard or soft mast by planting mast bearing shrubs or trees. Planting of trees or shrubs should include adequate protection (fencing) where appropriate. It is encouraged to consider planting perennials when creating or maintaining food plots. Deer Habitat Improvement Program grants Timeline Request for Proposals Begin…….…………………………………….....………January 5, 2021 Grant Application Must be Received by …………………………………..…..... February 15, 2021 Review & Selection Process Completed-Awards Announced ……………….… March 1, 2021 Project Period Begins.…..……………….……………………………… Upon execution of Grant Project Period Ends………………..………………….…...…..…....…..…..... September 15, 2021
Please refer to the DHIP handbook 2021 for more information about DHIP Grant details. Please contact our staff at the Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District with any questions regarding grant process or for clarifications on how to apply. (989) 356-3596 x5. The DHIP application can be emailed to aprille.williamson@macd.org, mailed or dropped off at the Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District, 1900 M-32 West, Alpena MI 49707.
For questions regarding deer habitat projects applicable to your property and for suggestions or advice on details of projects please contact the Conservation District or DNR wildlife biologist covering the county your property is located in. We are here to help, so if you need suggestions or advice on what types of trees or wildlife shrubs to plant or food plot suggestions, REACH OUT! That's what we are here for.