Young Forest Resources for Landowners
Whether you’re looking to improve your forest for wildlife, develop a management plan, or apply for cost-share funding, these partners are here to help:
Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS)
Forest Wildlife Specialists offer one-on-one support to woodland owners—from property visits and planning to applying for NRCS cost-share funding.
📞Jared Elm 715-450-2531 | ✉️ jarede@ruffedgrousesociety.org
American Bird Conservancy (ABC)
ABC’s Wisconsin Team focuses on healthy and diverse forests and can help with financial and technical support.
📞Pat Weber, Wildlife Habitat Specialist: 920-475-6957 | pweber@abcbirds.org
📞Eric Margenau, Associate Wildlife Biologist : 715-529-5483 | emargenau@abcbirds.org
📞Jordan Winkenbach, Great Lakes Oak Ecosystem Coordinator: 630-272-7346 | jwinkenbach@abcbirds.org
📞Tommy Gunn, Great Lakes Oak Ecosystem Forester: | tgunn@abcbirds.org
📞Jayme Strange, Northern Forests Conservation Coordinator: 763-486-9090 | jstrange@abcbirds.org
Learn more about ABC
Wisconsin DNR Foresters – Private Lands & MFL
DNR Service Foresters offer professional advice and on-the-ground support, including walk-throughs and next steps for your forest goals.
🌐 Learn about Service Foresters
🌐 Learn about Managed Forest Law tax program
🔗 Find Your Local Forester
Deer Management Assistance Program
A partnership program in which wildlife professionals provide expert guidance, resources and tools to help landowners achieve their specific wildlife habitat and deer herd management objectives including written management recommendations for qualifying lands.
*** DMAP is currently being updated. Enrollment will open in early to mid-2026. See the DMAP website for more information.
🌐 https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/DMAP
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
NRCS offers cost-share funding for a wide range of practices including forest management plans, timber marking, tree planting, alder shearing, pollinator habitat, and more.
🌐 Find Your Local NRCS Service Center
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has biologists who consult with landowners to help them conserve and improve wildlife habitat. Common practices in Northern WI include alder shearing, wetland restoration, and pollinator habitat work.
🌐 Learn more about the Partners Program