This is a grant will facilitate the acquisition of the sugar creek community forest, a forested property selected for funding through a competitive process based on the public benefits this…

Rising Appalachia was awarded $1.2 million in federal funding on September 17, 2025, through the U.S. Forest Service's Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFDA 10.689) to acquire and establish the Sugar Creek Community Forest in Ohio. The grant funds the fee-simple acquisition of forested property selected through a competitive process, with the land acquisition to be completed by the end of 2027. Following acquisition, the property will be managed as a community forest in accordance with an approved Community Forest Plan through the project completion date of July 31, 2030.

The Sugar Creek Community Forest project will deliver multiple community benefits upon establishment, including environmental benefits such as clean air and water protection, wildlife habitat preservation, and stormwater management; economic benefits through sustainable forestry and tourism; forest-based educational programming for K-12 students and youth organizations; and public recreational access for activities including hiking and fishing. This award is representative of the Community Forest Program's focus on protecting forestland from conversion to non-forest uses while maximizing measurable public benefits through high levels of community participation and engagement.

This is a grant will facilitate the acquisition of the sugar creek community forest, a forested property selected for funding through a competitive process based on the public benefits this acquisition will have on the surrounding community. The property will be acquired by the end of 2027 and will be subsequently managed as a community forest under an approved community forest plan.