NRCS

NRCS: the Natural Resource Conservation Service.  NRCS is a part of the USDA. 

"The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the primary federal agency that works with private landowners to help them conserve, maintain and improve their natural resources. The Agency emphasizes voluntary, science-based conservation; technical assistance; partnerships; incentive-based programs; and cooperative problem solving at the community level." 

NRCS administers several programs that are important for woodland owners including:

• Enivronmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) can provide support to develop management plans, create wildlife habitat and manage your woods. 
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages landowners to begin, improve or maintain conservation activities.
• Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) helps landowners restore and enhance their woods through conservation easements. 
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)