US Community Forest Program

Description

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) is offered by the U.S. Forest Service. The program provides funding for communities to acquire forest lands for conservation, recreation, education, and economic benefit.

Eligibility & Requirements

Proposals must be submitted to a State Forester to be considered for the program. 

  • Full fee title acquisition is required.

  • Community Forests can be owned by local governments and nonprofit entities.

  • Will pay up to 50% of the project costs and requires a 50% non-federal match.

  • Eligible land must be greater than 5 acres, 75% forested, and privately owned.

  • Public access is required.

  • Lands must be actively managed with a community forest plan.

Awards

$4M available in FY 2019. Typical awards ranged from $100k-$400k.

DeadlinE

Proposals for the 2020 funding cycle are due January 6, 2020