Linked Deposit Program for Silviculture
Ohio loggers committed to using Best Management Practices for forest management projects can receive low-interest financing through a linked deposit program to purchase equipment that will help them protect and improve the health of private woodlands, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The Linked Deposit Program is administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency with technical support from the ODNR Division of Forestry. Promoting the use of low-impact harvesting equipment is an important part of the Division of Forestry's mission.
Certified Master Loggers - those who have received special training on harvesting and who use Best Management Practices - can use the new program to obtain low-interest financing from participating banks through the state’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund. Interest rates through the program vary, but are typically 3-4 % less than standard loan rates for the equipment.
Potential purchases that could be made through the Linked Deposit Program include: bulldozers, mulching machines, cut-to-length harvesters, forwarders, tractors, mud mats, portable bridges, tree planters and associated equipment. It also applies to retrofitting of existing equipment such as flotation tires and over-tracks.
The linked deposit financing mechanism was originally developed in the 1990s to encourage best management practices in agriculture. The Silviculture Program marks the first time it has been applied to forestry practices.
A review panel works with applicants, ensuring they are certified through the voluntary Ohio Master Logger Program and determines if equipment is eligible for financing. The review panel also makes sure applicants have filed Silvicultural Operation and Management Plans with the appropriate county soil and water conservation.
If you have questions or need more information about the linked deposit program, call the Division of Forestry at 1-877-24788733. Application forms can be sent to ODNR Division of Forestry; 2045 Morse Road H-1; Columbus, OH 43229.
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