What is the minimum acreage required for a landowner to be eligible for the Cost Share Program?

• A. At least 5 acres.
• B. At least 9 acres (12 acres if buildings are present).
• C. At least 9 acres (10 acres if buildings are present).
• D. At least 15 acres.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how the program defines eligibility in terms of land size, with a built-in adjustment for parcels that have structures. Cost-share programs aim to invest in areas where forest management practices are feasible and cost-effective, so they set a baseline minimum tract size. If there are buildings on the land, that built area reduces the portion that can be managed as forest, so the threshold is raised slightly to ensure enough eligible forest land remains to justify the cost-sharing. That means parcels must meet a baseline minimum, and if buildings are present, the minimum climbs by a small amount. The result is that eligible land must be at least nine acres, and if buildings are present, the minimum becomes ten acres.