U.P. Deer Habitat Improvement Grant Program

The Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative (DHIPI) is a grant program developed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Division, through the Deer Range Improvement Program (DRIP). It is designed to foster collaborations among the DNR, sportsmen’s organizations, conservation groups, and other interested partners to implement habitat improvements that benefit deer populations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The initiative focuses on tangible, on-the-ground habitat enhancements while educating the public about the importance of these efforts and the ecological principles behind them. The primary goals of the initiative include improving deer habitat, strengthening partnerships between conservation organizations and the DNR, and increasing public awareness through outreach efforts. The program prioritizes projects that enhance summer and winter range deer habitat. Special emphasis is placed on deer wintering complexes, as these areas are critical to the survival of deer during Michigan's harsh winters. While all conservation organizations are encouraged to apply, priority consideration is given to projects that contribute to food and cover improvements within five miles of these designated areas. Funding for the initiative is sourced from the Deer Range Improvement Program (DRIP) Fund, which was established under Public Act 106 of 1971. A total of $100,000 is available for the 2025 grant cycle, with individual awards ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. These funds will be distributed through a competitive grant process, with project proposals evaluated based on habitat benefits, feasibility, public accessibility, cost-share contributions, and public outreach strategies. Applicants must demonstrate a 25 percent cost-share match, which can include financial contributions, volunteer labor, materials, or other in-kind support. Eligible applicants include conservation organizations, sportsmen groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), land conservancies, commercial forest landowners with a minimum of 400 acres and a certified management plan, and conservation districts. While private landowners are not eligible to apply directly, they may participate through partner organizations. Projects can take place on privately owned forested lands, industrial forests, tribal lands, federal lands with proper authorization, and other lands designated for conservation use. However, state-owned lands and lands within business, industrial, or agricultural zones are not eligible for funding. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle open on February 3, 2025, and must be submitted by March 14, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by April 4, 2025, and projects must be completed by September 30, 2025. The application process requires detailed project descriptions, cost breakdowns, landowner permissions if applicable, and a communication strategy outlining public engagement efforts. All funded projects must submit a final report that includes a financial summary, project documentation, and outreach materials. Proposal selection is conducted by a Review Committee composed of DNR personnel with expertise in wildlife and forestry. Applications are scored based on five main criteria: tangible habitat enhancements, feasibility, public accessibility, cost-share contributions, and outreach strategy. Projects must achieve a minimum score of 12 out of 25 to be considered for funding. Compliance monitoring will be conducted by the DNR to ensure that project goals are met, and organizations failing to fulfill obligations may become ineligible for future funding. For further details, applicants can visit www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants or contact Bill Scullon, Field Operations Manager, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Norway Field Office via email at scullonh@michigan.gov or phone at 906-250-6781.