The Iron-Baraga Conservation District will receive a grant award from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ 2026 Deer Habitat Project.
On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced it will award grants as part of the Deer Habitat Project to organizations working closely with the environment. The 2026 awards will provide twice the support for deer habitat compared to the previous year, with a total grant fund worth $200,000.
The Iron-Baraga Conservation District will use its $25,000 award to enhance deer wintering habitat across private lands and school forests in Iron and Baraga counties. The grant will purchase seedlings and trees for landowners at a reduced cost, helping create an immediate impact on the landscape.
Forest Park School District Forester Brock VanOss plans to complete the majority of planting with students on John Force Forest and other Forest Park School District properties. The collaborative approach combines environmental education with habitat restoration, allowing students to participate directly in conservation efforts.
Landowners included in the program will choose from four options to improve deer wintering habitat. Those interested in learning more about the Iron-Baraga Conservation District and the deer habitat improvement project with the Michigan DNR can find details online.
