A new cooperative funding program designed to improve deer habitat in the Upper Peninsula has been unveiled by the Department of Natural Resources.

The Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative is designed to foster cooperative projects between the DNR and non-government organizations that will enhance habitat for white-tailed deer. Money for the projects will be made available from the state's Deer Range Improvement (DRIP) Fund.

DRIP, begun in 1971, is funded by a $1.50 allocation from every deer license sold.

"There are three primary goals: to produce tangible habitat improvement, to build long-term partnerships with sportsmen's clubs or other groups, and to showcase these projects to the public," explained DNR DRIP Coordinator Bill Scullon. "Projects on both private and public lands will be considered."

Organizations, either independent or affiliated with larger groups, which have a formal mission to promote wildlife conservation and/or hunting, will be eligible to apply for funding. Representatives of sportsmen's groups or conservation organizations are encouraged to contact their local wildlife biologists or the DRIP coordinator to help develop acceptable projects.

Proposed projects will be evaluated and competitively scored on a wide range of criteria by a multi-disciplinary selection committee. Application packages are available from Bill Scullon, DNR Escanaba Field Office, 6833 US-2, Gladstone, MI 49837. Interested parties can contact Scullon at (906) 7865-2351, ext. 116, or by e-mail at scullonh@michigan.gov.

"Project applications will be due by April 30, so time is of the essence," Scullon said. "We plan to notify successful applicants by May 15, so we may be able to get the ball rolling this spring."