This award provides funding for forest health and urban and community forestry work supporting the 2020 illinois state forest action plan

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded $658,217 to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on January 6, 2026, under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664) to support forest health and urban and community forestry work aligned with the 2020 Illinois State Forest Action Plan.

The award funds forest health activities addressing oak decline and urban and community forestry initiatives providing technical and educational assistance to Illinois communities. Urban and community forestry work includes support for developing local forestry programs, community tree planting, partnerships, and outreach to Illinois residents. Performance occurs across Illinois through June 30, 2030. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources receives the award as a child entity of the State of Illinois, operating through its Office of the Governor.

The forest health work addresses OAK decline. The urban and community forestry work provides technical and educational assistance to communities for developing their forestry program, for community tree planting, partnerships, and for outreach to illinois residents.