Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Cost-Share Grant Program

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Cost-Share Program is a one-time funding initiative managed by the Ohio Division of Forestry, under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The program is supported by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service and is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible private woodland owners in Ohio. Its primary objective is to mitigate the spread and damage caused by the invasive insect hemlock woolly adelgid, thereby enhancing the health and resilience of eastern hemlock forests located on privately owned land across the state. This cost-share program provides a flat payment of $700 per acre to support treatments for controlling HWA infestations. The financial assistance is not intended to cover all treatment expenses, but rather to subsidize the costs of managing infestations. Eligible projects may range from one to 25 acres in size. Treatments can be conducted either by the landowners themselves or by hired contractors, and payment will be disbursed only after successful verification of treatment completion by a designated Forest Health Specialist. This process includes site visits during and after treatment to ensure compliance with program specifications. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants include non-federal, non-industrial forest landowners such as individuals, private legal entities, recognized tribes, and local government units. Additional criteria include ownership of forest land located in a designated high-poverty area, recent property acquisition or inheritance (within 10 years), or veteran status obtained in the last 10 years. Furthermore, the treatment area must consist of forested hemlock stands—not ornamental or landscaped trees—and must either be located in a county with a confirmed HWA infestation or have documented infestation on-site. The application process requires interested landowners to submit a completed application form to [email protected] by March 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and scored, with selected applicants notified accordingly. Those selected must obtain a Unique Entity Number (UEI) through SAM.gov and register for an Ohio ID and Payee ID to facilitate fund disbursement. Once under contract, applicants must adhere to the treatment specifications and monitoring requirements, including providing receipts or invoices as proof of treatment work and chemical purchases. The payment process is contingent upon certification of work by the Forest Health Specialist. If treatments do not initially meet the required standards, the specialist will provide guidance for corrective actions. Upon successful final inspection, the landowner will receive the one-time payment. Following completion of the contract, landowners are advised to continue annual monitoring for HWA, as the pest may re-infest treated areas. The Division of Forestry will provide a Hemlock Management Plan to assist with long-term forest health planning. This is a non-recurring program, offered on a one-time basis, with a firm deadline of March 20, 2026. Its focused aim is to provide timely intervention for preserving Ohio’s eastern hemlock populations against the threat of HWA infestation. The program is rooted in the broader mission of sustaining healthy forests and supporting private stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources.

Follow treatment specifications carefully; coordinate site visits with Forest Health Specialist; maintain documentation for proof of chemical usage.