This project will enhance management, protection, and restoration of south central alaska forests on public and private lands

The Homer Soil & Water Conservation District received $928,077 in federal funding through the Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Region 10 - Alaska Region. The award, granted on September 11, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2029, supports comprehensive forest management and restoration activities across south-central Alaska. The project delivers surveying and detection services, invasive species removal and management, technical assistance to landowners, and development of long-term management strategies targeting forests impacted by spruce bark beetle infestations and invasive chokecherry/European bird cherry populations on both public and private lands.

The initiative focuses on enhancing protection and restoration of Alaska's forest ecosystems through integrated pest management approaches. Deliverables include invasive species detection and rapid response activities, mechanical removal operations, technical guidance for land managers, and science-based management strategy development. These services address critical regional forest health threats while supporting the Forest Health Protection program's broader objectives of reducing forest mortality, preventing invasive species proliferation, and maintaining productive forest ecosystems across diverse ownership types in the southcentral Alaska region.

IT will focus on restoration and invasive species management in regions impacted byspruce bark beetle and/or invasive chokecherry/european bird cherry. Activities include surveying, detection, removal, technical assistance, and developing management strategies.