The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), State and Private Forestry, and Cooperative Forestry staff requests applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP).
Donor Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Country: U.S.
State: All States
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 01/10/2022
Size of the Grant: $600,000
Grant Duration: 2 years
Details:
The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) of the Forest Service offers a unique opportunity for communities to acquire and conserve forests that provide public access and recreational opportunities, protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, serve as demonstration sites for private forest landowners, and provide economic benefits from timber and non-timber products.
The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits such as sustainable forest management; environmental benefits including clean air, water, and wildlife habitat; benefits from forest-based educational programs; benefits from serving as models of effective forest stewardship; and recreational benefits secured with public access.
Program Basics
- Full fee title acquisition is required. Conservation easements are not eligible.
- Community Forests can be owned by local governments, tribal governments, and qualified nonprofit entities.
- The program pays up to 50% of the project costs and requires a 50% non-federal match.
- Public access is required for Community Forest Program projects.
- Lands acquired through the program are actively managed in accordance with a community forest plan to provide community benefits.
Funding Information
- Individual grant applications may not exceed $600,000, which does not include technical assistance requests.
- The initial grant period shall be for two years, and acquisition of lands should occur within that timeframe.
Eligible Applicants
- A local governmental entity, Indian Tribe (including Alaska Native Corporations), or a qualified nonprofit organization that is qualified to acquire and manage land.
- Individuals are not eligible to receive funds through this program.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.