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Michigan Forest Legacy Program Nomination Applications Available

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced today that applications to nominate forest land for enrollment in Michigan’s Forest Legacy Program are now available online.

A link to applications and other Forest Legacy Program resource information can be found at www.michigan.gov/privateforestland. Completed applications and all required documentation must be postmarked and submitted to the Forest Legacy Program by Friday, June 17, 2011.

The purpose of Michigan’s Forest Legacy Program is to use federal funds and matching funds to purchase development rights and conservation easements, or fee simple interest, on those environmentally important forests threatened by conversion to non-forest uses within designated geographic areas, known as Forest Legacy Areas.  A map of Michigan’s Forest Legacy Areas is available online.

Unless fee simple interest is purchased, these forests shall remain in private ownership, except for the conveyed easement items, such as development rights, which become state-owned and protected. Michigan’s Forest Legacy program requires the rights of public access be conveyed to the state on all land or interest in land acquired with Forest Legacy Program funding. It is also important to note that all easements and interests in land acquired by the Forest Legacy Program are conveyed in perpetuity, and must contain such covenants and language to insure perpetuity of Forest Legacy easements.

Participation in Forest Legacy is limited to private forest landowners. To qualify, landowners are required to prepare a multiple resource management plan as part of a conservation easement acquisition.  The federal government may fund up to 75 percent of program costs, with at least 25 percent coming from private, state or local sources.  In addition to gains associated with the sale or donation of property rights, many landowners may also benefit from reduced taxes associated with limits placed on land use.

Michigan’s Forest Legacy Program encourages partnerships with local governments and land trusts, recognizing the important contributions landowners, communities and private organizations make to conservation efforts.

The DNRE is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnre.

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Pennsylvania Game Commission Recruiting Hunter Education Instructors

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking for experienced hunters and trappers who are interested in becoming volunteer instructors for the agency’s basic Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE), Successful Bowhunting, Successful Furtaking and the new Successful Turkey Hunting courses, as well as future courses under consideration.

“Becoming a volunteer instructor for the Game Commission is one way experienced hunters and trappers can help pass along our outdoors heritage to a new generation,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief. “Becoming an instructor also is a fine way to help make a difference in your community and to do something to help improve the quality of our education and safety programs.

“If you’re an experienced hunter or trapper, and want to give something back, I encourage you to become a certified instructor for one or all of the agency’s education programs. Quality training is vitally important to ensuring these new, young hunters and trappers are both safe and responsible.”

Persons who wish to become instructors should be knowledgeable, experienced hunters and trappers, and be willing to teach at least one class per year. Classes are held at a variety of locations, such as sportsmen’s clubs, fire halls, schools and municipal buildings.

Instructors work with other volunteer instructors, WCOs and Deputy WCOs to plan and teach classes. Applicants need not be experts in every field of hunting and trapping. All teaching materials and detailed lesson plans are provided by the Game Commission.

All new instructors must have attended and completed a class, as a student, within the 18 months prior to or after submitting their application. Also, applicants must pass a background check, assist with at least one student-level class and attend a new instructor training workshop before being certified.

For more information about becoming an instructor, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and select “Education,” then choose “Hunter Education” and then click on “Becoming an Instructor.” Individuals also can request an application packet online or by calling the agency’s Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015.

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