Direct costs for on the ground habitat improvements specifically designed to benefit wildlife will be eligible for reimbursement. All project costs must be approved in the agreed upon contract budget to be eligible for reimbursement. o Examples of eligible habitat management practices include (but are not limited to): Mowing, brush hogging, mulching, chipping, clearing of trees, contract grazing, control of invasive plants, fencing for habitat protection, prescribed burning, woodland enhancements (thinning, cutting or girdling of trees to favor viable habitat food or cover resources), tree planting of genetically-modified species approved by MassWildlife (e.g., back-crossed American chestnut seedlings) beneficial to wildlife, nest site creation or installation of nesting structures, seeding/planting of native species, stream channel and pond shoreline restoration, floodplain connectivity, water quality improvement. o Staff time for on-the-ground project implementation (base salary only, no fringe or indirect expenses). Documentation of the base salary rate will be required. o Contract costs for management services. o Materials and Supplies necessary to achieve project goals. o Signs for the purpose of communicating the benefit of the MHMGP funded habitat improvement project may be an eligible expense. (ex. a sign posted during active management to inform the public of the benefits of the activity). o Signs that indicate that the property is open to hunting, fishing, and trapping...
