Deadline: 12-Jan-24
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry, is requesting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP) to establish community forests through the fee simple acquisition of private forest land.
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.
CFP is a grant program that provides financial assistance to Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to establish community forests through the fee simple acquisition of private forest land.
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 in requested federal funding, which does not include technical assistance requests. Grant applications must also include at least 50 percent nonfederal cost share.
- No legal liability on the part of the Government shall be incurred until funds are obligated by the grant officer for this program to the applicant in writing. The initial grant period shall be for two years, and acquisition of lands should occur within that timeframe. Lands acquired prior to the grant award are not eligible for CFP funding. The grant may be reasonably extended by the Forest Service when necessary to accommodate unforeseen circumstances in the land acquisition process.
- As funding allows, applications submitted through this request may be funded in future years, subject to the availability of funds and the continued feasibility and viability of the project. If an application is successful, it may be shared as a replicable model with future interested applicants.
- The Federal Government’s obligation under this program is contingent upon the availability of funds.
Eligible Land
Eligible land for grants funded under this program are private forest that provides defined community benefits under CFP and is:
- At least five acres in size.
- Suitable to sustain natural vegetation.
- At least 75 percent forested.
- Threatened by conversion to non-forest uses.
- Not held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Indian Tribe and not Tribal allotment lands.
- Offered for sale by a willing seller.
Eligibility Criteria
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- City or township governments.
- Federally Recognized Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native Corporations), local governmental entities, or qualified nonprofit organizations that are qualified to acquire and manage land.
- Individuals are not eligible to receive funds through this program.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.