Regeneration of young plants after a prescribed burn to benefit elk and other wildlife species is shown near Gaylord. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo)

LANSING – Now through June 4, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Habitat Grant Program will accept applications for habitat improvement and enhancement projects.

“We look forward to the opportunity to partner with those who want to increase habitat and enhance existing habitat through the Wildlife Habitat Grant Program,” DNR Wildlife Division Chief Jared Duquette said.

Funding is available for local, state, federal and tribal governments, profit and nonprofit groups, and individuals through an open, competitive process.

Minimum grant amounts will be set at $15,000, with the maximum being the amount of funds available for the grant cycle. The 2021 overall available grant amount is approximately $1 million.

The Wildlife Habitat Grant Program began in October 2013 and is funded from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. The DNR administers the program with the main objective to enhance and improve the quality and quantity of game species habitat in support of the Wildlife Division’s strategic plan.

The grant application period began Monday. Applications must be submitted through the MiGrants system no later than June 4 to be considered for funding.

The detailed program handbook and more information are available at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.