/your forest

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 2023 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 $2,500.
Examples of desired habitat improvement projects include but are not limited to: food plots, wildlife opening creation, rehabilitation, or existing opening maintenance; conifer plantings, and tree plantings to increase hard or soft mast. Planting of trees should include adequate protection (fencing) where appropriate. It is encouraged to consider planting perennials when creating or maintaining food plots.

Deer Habitat Improvement Program grant Timeline
Request for Proposals Begins.......................................................……..........December 1, 2022
Grant Applications Must be Received by.....................................……........February 13, 2023
Review & Selection Process Completed-Awards Announced........................March 1, 2023
Project Period Begins.…………………………………………………….............Upon execution of Grant
Site Visits/Verification of Projects………………………………..…...June 1 – September 21, 2023
Project Period Ends..............................................................…....................September 22, 2023
Funds Dispersed to Recipients…………………………………………..........………...…October 15, 2023
Camp Surveys due to Conservation District……………………………....……………January 6, 2024

Please refer to the DHIP handbook 2023 for more information about DHIP Grant details. 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 ext 101. The DHIP application can be emailed to Charlie.Doan@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.