Project Grant 23DG11052021245

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service R5-Pacific Southwest Region awarded a $6,600,000.00 Project Grant to the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) under the Forest Legacy Program (CFDA 10.676). The purpose of this 5-year grant, with a start date of August 2, 2023 and completion date of June 30, 2028, is to effectively identify and protect environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to nonforest uses, through the use of conservation easements or fee simple purchase. As the state government agency responsible for managing Hawaii's public lands and natural resources, DLNR will utilize this funding to support a range of conservation, recreation, enforcement, and planning activities across the major Hawaiian islands. Key program areas include wildlife and habitat conservation, invasive species control, native ecosystem restoration, public recreation area management, fisheries monitoring, coastal wetlands protection, and environmental planning.