This project to perform forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services on and off national forest lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Intermountain Region (Region 4), awarded a $2.9 million Cooperative Agreement under the Good Neighbor Authority (CFDA 10.691) program to the Idaho Department of Lands on September 17, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2029. This cooperative agreement authorizes Idaho Department of Lands to conduct forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services on National Forest System lands and adjacent areas throughout the state. The scope of work encompasses treating insect and disease-infected trees, reducing hazardous fuels through mechanical thinning and other treatments, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, improving watershed health, and conducting timber sales on approved National Forest System lands as authorized under Good Neighbor Authority provisions.

The program operates as a negotiated sole-source cooperative agreement between the Forest Service and the state agency, with project-specific objectives and funding determined collaboratively rather than through competitive solicitation. Revenue generated from timber sales and other activities is reinvested into land management goals and regional forest health priorities. This award reflects the Good Neighbor Authority program's expansion, which has accelerated from 36 awards in 2022 to 50 awards in 2025 across all Forest Service regions, demonstrating increased federal investment in collaborative restoration and management activities that enhance forest health and reduce wildfire risk on public and non-federal lands.

Work may include, but is not limited to, activities to treat insect and disease infected trees and/or reduce hazardous fuels and any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish, and wildlife habitat. Timber sales may be conducted on national forest system (NFS) lands as approved in appendices to this agreement. This agreement covers the entire suite of activities that are authorized under the good neighbor authority.