CRYSTAL FALLS — Iron Baraga Conservation District has been selected by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division for $13,500 in funding under the 2021 Upper Peninsula Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative Grant.

This project works to enhance deer wintering habitat across private lands, school forest and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community tribal lands in both Iron and Baraga counties. The grant will provide seedlings and trees to landowners at a significantly reduced cost, allowing landowners to immediately implement habitat improvement.

The project utilizes the planting of fruit trees, wildlife bushes and oaks. The minimum private landowner requirement is 20 acres, Deer wintering areas are preferred, as are those adjacent to public lands.

Eligible landowners will be selected based on commitment to adhere to planting and maintenance protocols; number of contiguous acres in the parcel; and regional deer management priorities as specified by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Specific property information and contact information will be acquired for landowner partners wishing to participate in the tree planting effort.

Those interested in applying for this habitat opportunity are asked to contact the Iron Baraga Conservation District by phone at 906-875-3765 or by email at IronBaragaCD@gmail.com.