Day 192

We had poured plenty of blood, sweat, and tears into our projects. We also had poured in plenty of money. While we consider it a great investment. We also have limited discretionary funds and do hope to happily retire before we turn eighty.

We had learned about potential cost-sharing and grant funding opportunities. However, certain caveats made these possibilities far, far from a sure thing. Some required a certain amount of acreage of wooded land. Some required agricultural-ready land. Some required at least two years of ownership before even applying. And even if we were eligible, all opportunities were competitive.

Very competitive.

However, there was one program that was relatively to apply for and was almost guaranteed money, if you were willing to wait. After putting in our application, we were added to the waiting list. We didn't get funded the first year but made it closer to the top of the list by year two.

When the time came around, we were happy to find out our application was selected and we would be getting funded. Seeing the amount we were awarded, we might be able to cut down a  tree or two. That’s when I figured out what this funding even menat.

This funding was not connected directly to work on the land. This money allowed us to hire a specialist to come tour the land and write up a restoration, conservation, and stewardship plan.

Having some experience with the price tag associated with many of the projects we had hoped to eventually get done, this made much more sense.

We hoped we could hire our restoration partner to do the plan. He had experience with the task, already had a relationship with us, understood the current condition of the land over time. And had a shared vision of what the land could become. Unfortunately,  he wasn't on the pre-approved list.

But all was not lost. We were provided with a list of approved specialists and we were able to connect with one who could come just days after the school day ended. To me, it felt like a great way to kick off summer.

Unfortunately, the visit ended up kicking me instead.