Funds provided for the acquisition of lands, title to which will be held, and administered by clinton community nature center association, INC

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Region awarded a $600,000 Project Grant on September 3, 2025, to Clinton Community Nature Center Association, Inc. under the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFDA 10.689). The grant funds the acquisition of lands that will be held and administered by the awardee, along with associated real estate transaction costs including appraisals, appraisal reviews, land surveys, legal and closing costs, title examinations, and development of a Community Forest Plan. The project is located in Mississippi and carries an ultimate completion date of September 2, 2030.

This competitive grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to support federally recognized Indian tribes, local governments, and qualified 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofits in establishing community forests that deliver measurable community benefits. All acquisitions funded through this program require public access to the forestlands and must maintain a minimum 50 percent non-federal cost-share contribution. The program prioritizes projects that protect privately-owned forestland from conversion to non-forest uses while advancing environmental conservation, recreational access, forest-based education, and sustainable forest management opportunities.

And any related real estate transaction costs limited to appraisals and appraisal reviews, land surveys, legal and closing costs, development of the community forest plan, and title examination.