Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is now accepting applications for the Crane Mat Cost-Share Program, a new initiative funded by the US Forest Service that offers low-cost crane mats to logging contractors.
Crane mats, sometimes referred to as swamp mats or timber mats, provide a stable surface for easier use of heavy logging equipment and protect soil and water quality when harvesting in wet or sensitive areas.
“Crane mats play a key role in minimizing impacts during timber harvests by reducing soil compaction and preventing erosion,” said FPR Watershed Forester Dave Wilcox. “This program makes it possible for loggers to follow best practices for water quality at minimal cost.”
Eligible logging contractors earning 51% or more of their annual income from timber harvesting can apply for up to 60 hardwood crane mats, each measuring 16 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 8 inches thick, for $45 per mat, 10% of the total cost.
Crane mats are in production now and will be available by July 1. Mats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and cost-share recipients will be responsible for picking up their mats at one of the storage locations listed in the application.
Participants are required to sign a cost-share agreement with the State of Vermont and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) free of charge through SAM.gov. Applications are due May 30 and can be accessed on the FPR website or by emailing FPR’s Watershed Forestry Specialist Silas Rainville at [email protected].
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands.
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Website.
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Vermont Business Magazine