Community Forest Program Grants Now Available

What Happened? The Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Community Forest Program (CFP), which encourages the creation of community forests and fosters rural economies.

What is the Community Forest Program? The program provides financial assistance grants to local governments, American Indian tribes and qualified nonprofit organizations to establish community forests with a focus on economic and environmental benefits, education, forest stewardship and recreation opportunities. Implementing the CFP was identified as a priority action item in the President’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, and supports the recommendation to promote the creation, expansion, and enhancement of urban parks and community green spaces.

The Basics.

• Full fee title acquisition is required and conservation easements are not eligible.
• The program pays up to 50% of the project costs and requires a 50% non-federal match.
• Public access is required for CFP projects.
• The community is involved in the establishment of the community forest and long-term management decisions.
• Community Forests can be owned by local governments, Tribal Governments, and qualified nonprofit entities.
• Grant applicants may receive up to $400,000 in financial assistance.

Program applicants will need to specifically define the community benefits brought by the community forests. This may include improved land conservation, stormwater management, reduced urban heat islands, lowered building energy demands, and enhanced resilience to drought. View Program Information

Applications are due to the State Forester or Tribal official by January 16, 2015.