Funding shortfall stalls recovery aid for Michigan forests damaged by ICE storm

Federal aid for restoring forests damaged by Michigan’s March 2025 ice storm has stopped because applications nationwide exceed available funding. Congress appropriated $357 million for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program last year, but the Farm Service Agency did not say how many Michigan applications had been approved.

The storm damaged about 3 million acres across 12 Michigan counties. About 600 landowners are in the application process, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The program can reimburse private landowners for up to 75% of eligible restoration costs, but work started before federal approval is at the landowner’s expense.

Foresters and landowners said delays have left some waiting to begin costly work or seeking reimbursement after starting. They warned that postponing restoration could leave forests more vulnerable to disease, fire and future storms.

Read the full story at ironmountaindailynews.com.