~ Applications due by March 31 ~
This program is different from the Urban & Community Forestry Program.
The Community Forest Program (CFP) is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to tribal entities, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to acquire and establish community forests that provide community benefits. Community benefits include economic benefits through active forest management, clean water, wildlife habitat, educational opportunities, and public access for recreation.
A Community Forest, in this program, is defined as “Forest land owned in fee-simple by an eligible entity that provides public access and is managed to provide community benefits pursuant to a community forest plan.” Community benefits are economic, ecological, educational, and recreational.
What can Community Forest funds be used for?
The primary purpose of Community Forest Program funds is to acquire private forest lands to create a Community Forest. Allowable acquisition costs directly related to the acquisition of the land for the Community Forest Program by an eligible entity may also be allowed.
What land is eligible?
Private forest land:
- Threatened by conversion to non-forest use
- Not held in trust by the United States
- That provides defined community benefits
- That is at least five acres in size, suitable to sustain natural vegetation, and at least 75 percent forested.
Applications are due to the Appropriate State Forester or equivalent Tribal official, depending on the applying entity, by March 31, 2023.