The Office of Management and Budget issued a memorandum on January 27, 2025, temporarily pausing agency grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs for the U.S. Government. This pause has significantly impacted various federal programs, including those related to forestry in Michigan.
Recent executive orders from President Trump have mandated a review and potential suspension of federal financial assistance, leading to the temporary halt of several forestry initiatives in Michigan. These programs, administered through the Michigan Forest Stewardship Program, aim to help family forest landowners in Michigan. With $11,575,222 on hold, several partners of the Forest Stewardship Program are affected. These partners include land conservancies, the Michigan Association of Consulting Foresters, the Michigan Forest Association, the American Tree Farm System, Michigan Master Loggers, the Society of American Foresters, and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science.
According to Mike Smalligan of the Michigan Forest Stewardship Program, the funds currently paused include:
The Michigan Master Logger Program has already paid half of a grant to build three 40-foot bridges for use by master loggers. The company constructing these bridges has purchased the materials but is now on hold, waiting to see if the remaining $175,000 will come through. Additionally, the Michigan Master Logger Program has a grant from the Forest Service on hold that would support logger and landowner education on Best Management Practices (BMPs). The grant includes stipends for loggers' time spent being educated and audited.
To summarize, the recent memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget has placed significant constraints on the Michigan Forest Stewardship Program. The temporary pause on federal financial assistance affects various forestry programs and disrupts the progress and support offered to family forest landowners, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives for loggers. While the future of the suspended funds remains uncertain, it is crucial for stakeholders to stay informed and engaged, advocating for the continued investment in sustainable forestry practices. As the government reviews the funding to eliminate wasteful spending, it is essential to let your congressmen know which programs are important to you. We all value and prioritize different things, and that is the beauty of the United States of America.
Mike Elenz
GLTPA President