Funding to modernize the states forestry and wetlands best management practices manual to better support the implementation priorities, forest stewardship, and identify a wide range of on the ground…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded $453,256 to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on June 23, 2026, under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664) to modernize the state's Forestry and Wetlands Best Management Practices Manual and implement wildfire risk reduction practices on non-federal forest lands.

The award funds development of updated best management practices guidance to support forest stewardship and on-the-ground management activities that maintain healthy forest ecosystems and protect critical natural resources. The funding also supports implementation of wildfire risk reduction practices designed to reduce forest density and fuel loading to prevent wildfires and insect outbreaks while creating fire-adapted and sustainable forest ecosystems.

Performance extends through December 31, 2030, with work performed in New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, through its Financial Management & General Services Division, serves as the recipient for the award.

Funding to modernize the states forestry and wetlands best management practices manual to better support the implementation priorities, forest stewardship, and identify a wide range of on the ground management activities needed to maintain healthy forest ecosystems and protect critical natural resources. And to implement wildfire risk reduction practices that are designed to reduce forest density and fuel loading to prevent wildfires, insect outbreaks, and to create a fire adapted and sustainable forest ecosystem.