ADOPT-A-FOOD-PLOT

Guidelines and Protocol to Apply

1. Since these funds will be requested from the PA State Chapter for funding, all must follow protocol and complete the Adopt-a-Food-Plot applications.

2. Determine if branch is receptive and will commit to a multi- year maintenance of a food plot. If this decision is dependant on future funding from the PA State Chapter provide details, as best you can. If your Branch cannot make a commitment for up to 3 years - stop here.

3 . Contact your Regional PGC Land Manager, Forester or Park superintendent or other applicable supervisor. Make arrangement to meet and discuss Adopt a Plot Program. These lands should be open PUBLIC ACCESS and HUNTING like Game Lands, State and National Forests and State Park lands.

4. Find out if they are receptive and determine their willingness to cooperate and participate in the Program. Without his help and commitment, this will not work.

5. If he/she is receptive, discuss where he/she might want an Adopt-A-Food-Plot. They might have a food plot program already established, and supplementing a this program might be easier (and cheaper) than breaking fresh soil.

6. Point out to Land Manager it would be in Branch's interest to locate a plot near to the branches main point of operation. Long travel will reduce Branch member participation and interest.

7. Agree on site and plot goals. ( Cool season perennials vs.. annual carbohydrates or combination of both).

8. Soil Tests will be required and copies of these need to be submitted with your Application forms. Photos of the site and rough measurements would be helpful. Hand drawn or outline on a topographical or aerial photo will help in identifying the location proposed, as well.

9. Find cost of Lime and Fertilizer and Herbicide. Spend some time soliciting Farm Supply, Agway, fertilizer sales etc. for donations of same. Also solicit seed from seed suppliers. Offer to put their name on a plaque or sign at or near the location.

10. Every effort to raise funds and donation locally should be made BEFORE Application. This program should not be viewed as a "give away", but as an assistance program.

11. Discuss w/ Land Manager (PGC or Others) who will be responsible for machinery. Most food and cover corps have plows, drills and mowing equipment available and on site. It is easier for them to use their equipment than get liability clearance for us to do it. . Discuss costs for planting and long term maintenance. Include details of this and any other volunteer or discounted assistance as part of the Project Application.

12. Document all costs including: Lime and Fertilizer, Seed, Herbicide, Site prep, seeding, and possible selective herbicide spray program. Also estimated costs of mowing if perennial. Estimate on-going maintenance costs and estimated needs from this Fund for such maintenance for at least 3 more years.

13. Submit completed 'Application For Adopt A Food Plot Funding' cost sheet to State for funding consideration. You may be contacted by the committee to clarify portions of your Application or with questions which may include suggestions on reducing the size of your project to enable more Branches Applications to be funded or partially funded. Mail application and any other supporting documentation to PA QDMA, 35 Grow Ave, Montrose, PA 11801.

14. With funds secured, schedule plot establishment with Land Manager.

15. Project progress reports and photos are required and should be sent to PA QDMA at various stages of completion including the completed project and the following year(s) including a brief evaluation and comments. This does not have to be a comprehensive report, just the Branch's overall evaluation on the success or lack of and why they think it happened and if they have suggestions to improve this and similar projects in the future.

16) Perhaps we may enlist Kip, Trupe or some other professional to make random site visits to see what we or they can do to make the Adopt-a-Food-Plot project a better. This may mean 1 visit to some plots and 3 or more visits to others depending on peoples access and availability.

Application Forms

Click here to download the application as a Microsoft Word (.doc) file.

Photos of Plot in Progress

Coordinating with Land Manager	Spraying to kill grasses and weeds
Spreading Lime for Soil Ph needs	Spreading fertilizers as called for by Soil Test
No-Til Seeding the prepared Site	Early Germination