FARMINGTON — Juan Hernandez, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Maine, has announced that the agency has received $1 million of Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program funds to assist in improving fish and wildlife habitat specifically in forest land. Maine is one of seven states offering this forestry initiative.

The additional funding will assist small woodlot owners in conservation planning and management of their woodlands for fish and wildlife habitat. For example, landowners may receive funding to improve their woodlots for woodcock, partridge and white-tailed deer, as well as other fish, birds and mammals that live in the forest.

Eligible work may include removing invasive plant species, establishing native plants for bees, planting buffers along streams and ponds, repairing eroded trails and stream crossings, replacing culverts that block fish passage, creating small openings to increase diversity, as well as making forest nesting sites for a variety of wildlife.

For a complete listing of eligible conservation practices, go to www.me.nrcs.usda.gov.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, June 15. Landowners should visit the USDA Service Center in Farmington at 107 Park St. to submit an application or call 778-4767, ext. 105.