MDNR Report

The Michigan DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant Program is accepting applications now through March 18. 

“Healthy, abundant wildlife habitats not only benefit wildlife, they also provide value to Michigan residents by offering more opportunities for hunting, trapping and wildlife viewing, improved soil conservation and support for critical ecosystems,” said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Sara Thompson.

“Through the productive partnerships that make such works possible, the Wildlife Habitat Grant Program helps create food plots, build wintering deer complexes, plant native grasses, regenerate aspen and other tree species, and do many other things that yield benefits long after the initial projects are completed,” Thompson 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 that grant cycle. The 2024 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 wildlife species habitat in support of the Wildlife Division’s strategic plan.

Applications must be submitted through the MiGrants system no later than March 18 to be considered for funding. Successful grant applications will be announced in early summer 2024.

The detailed program handbook and more information are available at Michigan.gov/DNR-Grants. 

U.P. deer habitat grants

Additionally, the DNR announced it is accepting applications for the Upper Peninsula’s Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative, an effort to enhance deer habitat on private lands in the U.P. Those applications also are due March 18.