FY24-GLRI-FR-RFA_20240614-Final.pdf

Eastern Region State, Private, and Tribal Forestry | July 2024

Fiscal Year 2024 USDA Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)

Forest Restoration Request for Applications

Due by 5 p.m. Central / 6 p.m. Eastern, September 18, 2024

Contents Background and Purpose

Eligibility

Projects Not Eligible

Program Area Information

Program Area 1. Mitigate Invasive Forest Insect and Disease Impacts

Program Area 2. Reduce Runoff through Green Infrastructure

Program Area 3. Restore and Connect Coastal and Riparian Forest Habitats

Criteria for GLRI Forest Restoration Project Selection

Minimum Requirements

Evaluation Criteria (100 points total)

Important Considerations for Applicants

Criteria Scoring Rubric:

How to Apply

Review Process

Appendix A. Great Lakes Watershed Map

Appendix B. Eligible Counties Wholly or Partially in the Great Lakes Watershed

Appendix C. Additional Instruction for Calculating Reduce Runoff Metrics

Appendix D. Benefits to Underserved Communities/People

Appendix E: GLRI Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Priorities

Appendix F: Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

Background and Purpose The interagency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) targets improvements to address the most significant environmental problems within the Great Lakes Basin. Through an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, anticipates receiving funds to support competitive projects that implement strategic, priority actions within Forest Service authorities to restore, protect, and maintain the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Successful projects will implement reforestation and other forest restoration activities to address invasive species, nonpoint source pollution impacts on nearshore health, and habitat restoration in coastal and riparian areas, while paying attention to measurable on-the-ground impacts, connections between terrestrial forested landscapes and water quality, resilience to climate change and other ecosystem stressors, and environmental justice. Anticipated funds will be distributed across three specific Program Areas described in table 1.

Award of grants is contingent on allocation of EPA funding.

Table 1.—GLRI Forest Restoration Program Areas.

GLRI Focus Area (see GLRI Action Plan) Programs Areas and Descriptions

Anticipated Funding

Minimum Allowable Federal Request

Maximum Allowable Federal Request

Invasive Species 1. Mitigate Invasive Forest Insect and Disease Impacts – Implement targeted reforestation and forest protection actions to minimize invasive forest insect and disease impacts on watersheds.

$1,000,000 $50,000 $200,000

Nonpoint Source Pollution Impacts on Nearshore Health

2. Reduce Runoff Through Green Infrastructure – Capture or treat stormwater runoff by planting trees and other vegetation as an integral component of green infrastructure.

$3,000,000 $100,000 $300,000

Habitat and Species

3. Restore and Connect Coastal and Riparian Forest Habitats – Protect, restore, and enhance high-quality coastal zone and connecting riparian ecosystems where trees are an important component.

$1,200,000 $50,000 $200,000

Eligibility State agencies, Tribal communities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments are eligible for GLRI funding in all Program Areas. Projects must be located within the Great Lakes Basin of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Eligible applicants are encouraged to consult with their appropriate State Forester, Tribal administrator (for federally recognized Tribes), or Forest Supervisor (for work near national forests) to develop and submit applications. Projects involving insect and disease prevention, detection surveys, eradication, or suppression of insect and disease outbreaks are required to be developed in coordination with Forest Service and/or State agency forest health specialists.

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/documents/glri-action-plan-3-201910-30pp.pdf https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/documents/glri-action-plan-3-201910-30pp.pdf

Projects must be entirely within the boundaries of the Great Lakes watershed. The Great Lakes watershed is defined as those areas within the United States that currently or historically drain into Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, or Lake Ontario, or drain into the St. Lawrence River west of where the international boundary line leaves the river. A map of the basin is in appendix A, and a list of eligible counties either wholly or partially in the Great Lakes watershed is in appendix B.

To be successful, applications must conform to the authorities of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (as amended), specifically Sections 3. Rural Forestry Assistance; Section 5. Forest Stewardship; Section 8.

Forest Health Protection; and Section 9. Urban and Community Forestry Assistance.

Projects Not Eligible

• Research: Basic research as defined in 2CFR 422.1, “Systematic study directed toward fuller knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind.” Note: Technical transfer, education, and outreach activities associated with applying research can be included in the application. A research entity can be included as a partner and can contribute (e.g., monitoring activities).

• Construction and capital improvements (e.g., facilities, infrastructure, roads).

• Projects that only have outreach and education as outcomes. However, projects are encouraged to include outreach, education, and/or training as components of the project or as a means to achieve the project objectives.

• Projects that only have surveying or mapping as outcomes, though projects may include survey or mapping components.

• Cost-share, reimbursement, and other types of payment provided directly to private landowners;

however, funding may be used to perform work on private lands.

• Projects focused on tree removal. While some tree removal may be allowable under specific conditions, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local Field Office representative if they plan to include any type of tree removal in their application.

Program Area Information Program Area 1. Mitigate Invasive Forest Insect and Disease Impacts Non-native invasive forest insects and diseases, such as emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, beech bark disease, oak wilt, and others pose significant threats to forest and watershed health through high levels of tree mortality. Promoting healthy forests in the Great Lakes Basin will ensure that ecosystems are more resilient to future disturbances, are biologically diverse, and contribute to the availability of abundant clean water. GLRI funds for Program Area 1 (Insect and Disease) will address non-native insect and disease impacts and threats to forests and trees through activities that may include, but are not limited to:

• planting trees to mitigate adverse insect/disease effects,

• local eradication strategies if feasible,

• direct suppression with pesticides or approved biological control agents when best suited for long-term management of non-native insects and diseases, and

• the use of proven (rather than experimental) silvicultural practices to mitigate insect/disease damage.

In addition to these primary strategies, projects under this program area may engage in preparedness and prevention planning and targeted (as opposed to general area) insect/disease survey and monitoring. Successful applications will demonstrate how targeted restoration or protection of canopy cover in developed areas, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-1108/pdf/COMPS-1108.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-1108/pdf/COMPS-1108.pdf forests, wetlands, riparian corridors, and coastal zones benefits water quality, watershed processes, and/or priority habitats.

Projects in Program Area 1 may include third-party detection surveys, monitoring, evaluations, prevention, and suppression of insect and disease outbreaks on Federal land as part of a landscape effort if consistent with authorities of Title 16 U.S.C §2104 – Forest Health Protection and approved by the Federal entity.

All projects must specify the number of acres treated, since on-the-ground outcomes are an important factor in project ratings. Urban tree planting projects should use a default conversion factor of 100 trees per acre (20-foot spacing) if acreage information is otherwise unavailable. Projects involving insect and disease prevention, detection surveys, eradication, or suppression of insect and disease outbreaks are required to be developed in coordination with Forest Service and/or State agency forest health specialists. Contact the appropriate forest health specialist (see forest health specialist staff list) to discuss technical review and coordination needs for the project and provide documentation of this review and coordination.

Program Area 1 Priorities and activities receiving additional emphasis include projects that:

• Suppress non-native invasive insect and disease threats with a high risk of damage across Great Lakes forests and watersheds.

• Minimize non-native invasive insect and disease impacts where tree damage and mortality pose a particularly high risk to hydrologic function and ecosystem integrity in a watershed.

• Identify priority species, strategy, and area of work using the GLRI Terrestrial Invasive Species Program

Priorities appendix (appendix E).

• Align with State and/or Federal initiatives and strategies for non-native invasive forest pests, showing a high probability of success based on scale and best practices.

• Support or undertake invasive species outreach and education to increase awareness and prevent spread.

• Increase environmental justice through integrated programs for non-native invasive insect and disease resilience, equitable environmental benefits, and improved quality of life for adjacent or downstream communities.

The aerial detection survey, Forest Service mapping and reporting, and State forest health highlights are data sources that can provide further information on risk and impacts.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective Eastern Region State, Private, and Tribal Forestry Forest Health Program Lead for additional assistance and information:

• New York: Mike Bohne, 603-868-7708, michael.bohne@usda.gov

• Ohio and Pennsylvania: Rick Turcotte, 304-285-1544, richard.m.turcotte@usda.gov

• Midwest States (IL, IN, MI, MN, WI): James Jacobs, 651-649-5266, james.j.jacobs@usda.gov

REQUIRED REPORTING METRICS:

► Acres treated for mitigation and control of non-native invasive forest insect and disease impacts

(required for all projects)

► Number of trees and other plantings by size class (required for tree planting projects)

► Number of trees treated (required for projects that apply treatments to trees)

► Acres surveyed for invasive species (required for projects with a survey element) https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/n7qlmgwbibuyiw5c9ciuewfqczvmf324 https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/46aa60669da34e919b560f7f1df9ca28 https://www.fs.usda.gov/foresthealth/applied-sciences/mapping-reporting/index.shtml https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/ForestHealthHighlights mailto:michael.bohne@usda.gov mailto:richard.m.turcotte@usda.gov mailto:james.j.jacobs@usda.gov

Program Area 2. Reduce Runoff Through Green Infrastructure GLRI funds for Program Area 2 (Reduce Runoff) will create or improve green infrastructure in developed areas as part of a local stormwater management strategy. Healthy trees and other plantings are critical to maintaining functioning watershed processes that reduce and absorb stormwater flow, soil erosion, and sediment/nutrient loading in Great Lakes tributaries and nearshore waters. Applications must describe how the project relates to a target water body and supports existing watershed management or stormwater reduction plans to address specific water quality impairments or other problems.

Under this program area, tree planting should be the main green infrastructure strategy used for a project.

Examples of green infrastructure may include, but are not limited to:

• Urban street tree planting.

• Concentrated plantings in parks, nature preserves, or former agricultural land.

• Riparian buffers in developed areas.

• Mixed tree and other vegetation (e.g., prairie) plantings.

• Bioswales/rain gardens, either with minor grading not qualifying as construction or with constructed features funded by other sources.

All green infrastructure projects should demonstrate strategic value for stormwater mitigation.

Reduce Runoff applications must include estimates of annual gallons of rainfall intercepted (20-year average) by the planned number of trees planted over the course of the project using the conversion factors in table 2.

Projects will be rated competitively, partially on the Federal cost per gallon of annual stormwater interception.

Table 2.—Initial conversion factors for rainfall intercepted by tree size (note that this is a quick estimate that will not be as accurate as i-Tree, which must be used for the final project report).

Tree diameter at planting (measured 6 inches above root collar)

Gallon conversion factor (use to obtain values for outcomes table)

Greater than or equal to 1 inch 200 gallons per tree

Less than 1 inch 100 gallons per tree

Shrub 50 gallons per shrub

Final project reports must refine estimates using accepted tools (e.g., i-Tree Planting Calculator, i-Tree Design;

see appendix C) and the final number and species of trees planted.

Program Area 2 Priorities and activities receiving additional emphasis include projects that:

• Increase capacity, expertise, and engagement in maintaining community trees, particularly in underserved communities.

• Account for future conditions under a changing climate. In particular, address needs for increased resilience in underserved communities (e.g., flooding impacts, climate-adapted tree species, etc. See Climate Change Resources for possible tools).

• Leverage existing modeling or other green infrastructure planning to plant trees in areas that will maximize filtration of overland flow.

• Improve infiltration through practices such as converting turf to native plantings, amending soil, or removing impervious surfaces in planting areas to improve green infrastructure connectivity.

• Restore riparian and floodplain tree canopy cover in the GLRI priority watersheds of western Lake Erie, Green Bay, or Saginaw Bay. Specifically, the Lower Fox River, WI; Saginaw River, MI; Maumee River, IN/OH; Genesee River, NY.

https://planting.itreetools.org/ https://design.itreetools.org/

REQUIRED REPORTING METRICS:

► 20-year annual average gallons of rainfall intercepted (required for all projects; see appendix C for i-

Tree methods).

► Number of trees and other plantings, established by size class (required for all projects).

Program Area 3. Restore and Connect Coastal and Riparian Forest Habitats GLRI funds for Program Area 3 (Coastal and Riparian Habitats) will protect, restore, and connect high-quality coastal and connecting ecosystems where trees are an important component. Examples of included habitats are coastal wetlands, drowned river mouths, dune and swale habitats, forested coastal buffers, and critical connecting riparian areas.

Funded activities will enhance the cover, diversity, and resilience of native trees and other vegetation in and connecting to coastal ecosystems to improve wildlife habitat and filter out sediments, nutrients, toxic contaminants, pathogens, and other pollutants. Applications should highlight any geographical, hydrological, biological, or habitat-related connections of project areas to coastal wetlands.

Some examples of possible tools include the Buffering America’s Waterways tool, which helps identify watersheds where forested riparian buffers can help improve water quality, and the Midwest Conservation Blueprint tool, which is a base map of priority lands and waters for conservation that covers the eastern Great Lakes States.

Projects will be rated competitively, partially on the Federal cost per acre of habitat restored or enhanced.

Projects focused only on non-native invasive species management as a restoration method and outcome will not be given priority for this program area.

Program Area 3 Priorities and activities receiving additional emphasis include projects that:

• Leverage or protect previous GLRI coastal wetland investments, with a focus on wetland connectivity.

• Protect or restore forested riparian buffers that provide connectivity and enhance habitat in rural or agricultural areas.

• Improve habitat quality and connectivity in priority breeding marsh bird habitat zones and connecting riparian or migratory corridors (see Audubon Great Lakes breeding marsh bird priority areas; Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes Joint Venture maps and Great Lakes Stopover Map/Tool; and USFWS avian migrant decision support tool (AGOL account required)). Address other coastal or connecting riparian priorities identified in Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs) and State Forest Action Plans.

• Address climate change impacts and account for future conditions under a changing climate (e.g., using climate-adapted species, identify sites that provide key habitat to mitigate climate change effects, etc.

See Climate Change Resources for possible tools).

• Address environmental justice through equitable access to natural areas, cultural resources, environmental benefits, and/or improved quality of life for adjacent or downstream communities.

REQUIRED REPORTING METRICS:

► Acres of Great Lakes coastal wetlands, nearshore, and other habitats restored or enhanced. Acres must be identified as either coastal wetland, nearshore, upland, or other (required for all projects).

► Number of trees and other plantings by size class (required for all tree planting projects).

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2Finside-fs%2Fdelivering-mission%2Fsustain%2Fnew-tool-identifies-opportunities-protect-enhance-americas&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.barton%40usda.gov%7C1d9ee32d3324426e38b308dc1dd56b1d%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638418049681497402%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=G6lxtYdBFWTf7f1T2i5PUS7HIFDLVhuynB73GaqNE14%3D&reserved=0 https://mcap-fws.hub.arcgis.com/pages/midwest-conservation-blueprint https://mcap-fws.hub.arcgis.com/pages/midwest-conservation-blueprint https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgl.audubon.org%2Flanding%2Fgreat-lakes-waterbird-conservation&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.barton%40usda.gov%7Ceaebc27fc83d4d1720a508dc24003c54%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638424830626368106%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uLU3dE%2FLPThj0qtsE%2FtBNjqiDexu%2Bl4Fi3xBYetQGys%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fumgljv.org%2Fplanning%2Fmaps-gis%2Fwaterbirds-waterfowl%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.barton%40usda.gov%7Ceaebc27fc83d4d1720a508dc24003c54%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638424830626377282%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nAmJnTYseCJrattNE47HOk2QUGObfh00NWidCCHBT38%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fumgljv.org%2Fplanning%2Fmaps-gis%2Fwaterbirds-waterfowl%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.barton%40usda.gov%7Ceaebc27fc83d4d1720a508dc24003c54%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638424830626377282%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nAmJnTYseCJrattNE47HOk2QUGObfh00NWidCCHBT38%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fumgljv.org%2Fpartnerships%2Fgreat-lakes-stopover-map-tool%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.barton%40usda.gov%7Ceaebc27fc83d4d1720a508dc24003c54%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638424830626384510%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=60xVWRErecmOR8hQRwWG%2BLoANtArsXPkGees0mo6g4s%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffws.maps.arcgis.com%2Fhome%2Fwebmap%2Fviewer.html%3Fwebmap%3Deb3b0465a8c8472fb795fc7e0c030b16&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.barton%40usda.gov%7Ceaebc27fc83d4d1720a508dc24003c54%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638424830626390226%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rlcfNxV5f0sIe48476YuscW93lB8zJS7ZhC7VpJy%2Ba0%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffws.maps.arcgis.com%2Fhome%2Fwebmap%2Fviewer.html%3Fwebmap%3Deb3b0465a8c8472fb795fc7e0c030b16&data=05%7C02%7Cerin.barton%40usda.gov%7Ceaebc27fc83d4d1720a508dc24003c54%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638424830626390226%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rlcfNxV5f0sIe48476YuscW93lB8zJS7ZhC7VpJy%2Ba0%3D&reserved=0 https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/lakewide-action-and-management-plans-great-lakes https://www.stateforesters.org/forest-action-plans/

Criteria for GLRI Forest Restoration Project Selection Minimum Requirements All minimum requirements must be met to be considered eligible for funding.

• All proposed projects must lie entirely within the Great Lakes watershed of the United States, as shown on project coordinates and maps.

• Projects must address the purpose of one of the three Program Areas and may apply for consideration under only one of those Program Areas.

• No matching funds are required.

• Costs must be allowable and budgeted in accordance with the OMB Uniform Guidance.

a) Equipment purchases are rarely approved and will be reviewed prior to grant award. Equipment rental or short-term leasing contracts within the grant period should be considered as an alternative. Equipment is defined as an article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.

• Only non-Federal applicants may apply under this opportunity. Projects must take place on non-Federal lands, except as allowed in Program Area 1, Insect and Disease.

• Applications should include sufficient detail to demonstrate the applicant has the capacity to achieve stated objectives in a timely manner.

• Ownership of the property where grant activities occur must be clear. Letters of support are required from identified partners that own or maintain the project area, and it must be clear in the letter that the letter writer is the landowner and that they are giving permission for work to be done by the applicant.

Describe how permission will be obtained if work spans multiple properties not owned by the applicant or current partners.

• Projects involving insect and disease prevention, detection surveys, eradication, or suppression of insect and disease outbreaks are required to be developed in coordination with Forest Service and/or State agency forest health specialists. Contact the appropriate forest health specialist (see forest health specialist staff list) to discuss technical review and coordination needs for the project. Include documentation (e.g., an email conversation) from the agency or specialist with whom coordination has taken place.

• Projects using Forest Health Protection (FHP) authorities for insect or disease activities (even if the project is not in the Insect and Disease program area, e.g., use of pesticides, herbicides, or biocontrol agents) should follow these guidelines:

a) Show strong potential for meeting project objectives and must be supported by a biological evaluation that substantiates the need for the project and the strategies proposed.

b) Be environmentally acceptable and appropriately documented in accordance with appropriate laws.

c) The entity having ownership or jurisdiction over the affected land must consent, cooperate, and participate in the project; contribute directly to the work to be done; and have the legal authority to carry out such projects.

• Planting projects shall not install any State-listed invasive species, including invasive species listed as “restricted,” “pending further review,” “non-restricted,” on a watch list, etc. Explore State lists at the USDA’s National Invasive Species Information Center.

• Projects must provide documentation, either as an attachment or within the narrative, of how they calculate any indirect estimated project outcomes (e.g., number of gallons mitigated).

https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-policies/omb-uniform-guidance-2014.html https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/lists

Evaluation Criteria (100 points total) All applications will be assessed on how well they address the following evaluation criteria below, including applicable considerations under each heading.

PURPOSE AND NEED (20%)

The project location is strategically selected to maximize benefits to Great Lakes water quality and watershed health. The project is designed to address a documented need or threat.

• Describe the connection between project activities and priorities of applicable strategic plans, such as the GLRI Action Plan III or a Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP), State Forest Action Plan, or Tribal Land Management Plan. Additional emphasis will be given to projects that address specific rather than general priorities of these regional plans.

• Achieve goals or desired future conditions identified in local/regional watershed or stormwater plans, urban tree canopy management plans, or forest health assessments.

• Leverage past projects, other GLRI-funded work, or long-term commitments beyond the life of the project.

• Demonstrate environmental need using appropriate information on ecosystem stressors, water quality problems, canopy cover, or land use such as impervious cover (see i-Tree Landscape).

• Demonstrate meaningful attention to equity and environmental justice, supported by reliable data sources, such as Tree Equity Score, Climate and Economic Justice Tool, or other equity indicators (see appendix D for more information on environmental justice and strategies for addressing it).

TECHNICAL MERIT AND SUSTAINABILITY (30%)

Scope of work demonstrates ability to create and sustain environmental benefits over multiple decades, using science-based best management practices.

• Tree planting projects attach a Tree Planting and Maintenance Plan that follows applicable best practices identified in the Guidance for Landscape Tree Planting.

• Insect and Disease mitigation projects use strategies and tools that are known to be effective.

• Projects involving insect and disease prevention, detection surveys, eradication, or suppression of insect and disease outbreaks are coordinated with the appropriate Forest Service or State forest health specialist and include documentation of this coordination (e.g., an email exchange) with their grant application.

• Applicants describe how project outcomes will be achieved by describing planned methodology (e.g., if pesticides will be used, what type of pesticide and how will it be used?).

• Applicant and partners show adequate expertise to address technical elements of the project, as shown by prior experience, qualifications, and technically sound project plans.

• Application shows capability and clear plans for long-term maintenance or monitoring of project benefits.

• Project is designed to be resilient to the effects of climate change and other ecosystem stressors.

MEASURABLE RESULTS/OUTCOMES EXPECTED (30%)

Proposed work strategically and cost effectively advances Program Area Priorities. Project implements measurable outcomes using the required metrics at minimum and may include additional specific measurable results. The measures/metrics should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. A map of the on-the-ground impact area(s) for the project is encouraged (upload to Grants.gov using the Attachments Form).

https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/lakewide-action-and-management-plans-great-lakes https://www.stateforesters.org/forest-action-plans/ https://landscape.itreetools.org/ https://treeequityscore.org/ https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/ https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/GLRITreePlantingGuidance

• Application defines expected outcomes (acres or gallons) required for the Program Area and clearly describes units of work to be accomplished (e.g., species, number, and size of trees planted).

• Application includes appropriate on-the-ground outcomes for the Program Area.

• Applicant uses required metrics for the Program Area (see metrics table below).

• Addresses priority issues, practices, or locations identified in the Program Area description.

• Federal cost per acre treated or per gallon intercepted is cost-effective relative to similar projects.

• Budget information is clear and consistent; costs are reasonable and allowable. In the budget table, provide a brief description to justify each budget category requested. Reviewers will assess if outcomes are commensurate with the budget.

Metrics Each Program Area has a required metric for GLRI reporting and an additional activity-dependent metric related to tree planting or forest health treatment. Projects must have outcomes described using the required metric.

Additional metrics that may facilitate evaluation and communication of outcomes are encouraged for use as applicable. All reported metrics should be unique (e.g., if the same acres are treated for two different invasive species, those acres should not be counted separately in reporting although the different treatments should be described). The metrics below should be used in the Measurable Results table in the Project Narrative Form.

Table 3.— Program Areas Metrics/Measurable Results.

Metric Name Required/Optional Status and Description

Acres treated for invasive insect and disease impacts

Required for Insect and Disease mitigation; includes replacement of trees lost to pests.

Acres cannot be counted if they are:

• Subsequent treatment acreage during the same project period. During a single project period, retreatments should not be included in the acreage reported.

• Overlapping treatment acreage from the same project defined by target species. For example, if species A treatment acreage is 20 acres during the project, species B treatment acreage is 20 acres during the project, and each species overlaps for a total of 10 acres, the total area reported will be 30 acres, not 40 acres.

Gallons of stormwater intercepted (20-year average annual interception for trees)

Required for Reduce Runoff; use conversion factor appropriate to size class below:

Trees ≥1 inch diameter: 200 gallons per tree Trees <1 inch diameter: 100 gallons per tree Shrub: 50 gallons per shrub

Final reports for selected projects must use iTree to calculate gallons, using the 20-year annual average rainfall intercepted measure.

Metric Name Required/Optional Status and Description

Acres of habitat restored or enhanced (report coastal wetland, nearshore, and other habitat types separately)

Required for Coastal and Riparian Habitats Program Area.

• Nearshore and other habitats (excluding coastal wetlands) means all habitats within the Great Lakes basin within the following systems: open water; nearshore waters and connecting channels;

coastal shore; rivers and tributaries; inland lakes and wetlands; uplands.

• Restored means the ecosystem has recovered from degradation, damage, or destruction.

• Enhanced means the value and effectiveness of habitats and species has increased.

Number of trees planted (and number established and surviving at end of grant period, if different from the number of trees originally planted)

Required for tree planting projects; include separate lines for each size class.

Acres surveyed for invasive species Required for projects that include invasive species surveys as a budget item.

Number of trees treated Recommended for chemical treatment of trees in Insect & Disease Mitigation; list average tree size.

Miles of shoreline or riparian corridors restored or protected

Miles of Great Lakes shoreline and riparian corridors that have been protected from non-point source runoff.

Recommended for projects that target protecting shorelines from non-point source pollution. Can be used for habitat restoration projects that have a direct and intentional non-point source water quality benefit (e.g., projects that stabilize streambanks to prevent erosion, infiltrate non-point runoff, or convert lands to natural uses to reduce non-point source loading to waterbodies). This metric should be used in addition to required metrics, not as a substitute.

Number of shrubs planted Optional; recommended if applicable.

Number of plugs or other vegetation planted (refers to neither trees nor shrubs, but non-woody vegetation)

Optional; recommended if applicable.

Number of volunteer hours contributed Optional; estimated.

Number of youth (grades K-12) impacted through education and stewardship projects

Optional; estimate active participants (i.e., beyond general site use, viewing signs).

Number of people engaged in education and stewardship

Optional; estimate active participants (i.e., beyond general site use, viewing signs).

Other Provide units in the “activity description” field.

Include descriptions of less quantifiable outcomes in the narrative. Projects that clearly involve and/or serve historically underserved communities will be given a higher priority.

PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT (10%)

• Project involves diverse partners and representation in addressing local community interests. All partners and their roles (e.g., providing monetary support, providing volunteers or work hours, helping with outreach, collaborating on data sharing, etc.) are clearly identified.

• Engage a diversity of partners, including members of historically underserved communities, to improve equity, inclusion, and access to environmental benefits.

• Include key partners with jurisdiction or ownership in the landscape, such as State and local government, watershed organizations, Federal or Tribal land managers, or other organizations.

• Engage a spectrum of local residents in project planning, implementation, and maintenance.

• Demonstrate residual positive benefits, as a result of collaboration, related to capacity, skills, knowledge, infrastructure, or a replicable approach, among others.

SHARING OUTCOMES AND KNOWLEDGE (10%)

Projects should include a component of outreach, training, lessons learned, or related opportunities so that carrying out the project results in skills and capability that extend beyond the life of the grant. Describe the project’s potential to inform practitioners and enhance the effectiveness of similar initiatives.

• Identify strategies for outreach and education beyond current partners.

• Develop deliverables to communicate project results and outcomes.

• Share knowledge, tools, or innovations that have practical application beyond the life of the project.

Important Considerations for Applicants In addition to the eligibility requirement and minimum requirements listed above, there are some additional points that applicants should consider when crafting their application package:

• Letters are recommended from State agencies or other partners that make substantive commitments toward project planning or implementation. Letters of support should make clear the role the letter writer will play in the project or the commitments they will make, if any.

• Include any attachments needed to support the project application. Note that if attachments are included, they should support the project application but should not be required to understand the project application.

• Applicants are discouraged from submitting similar proposals to more than one Eastern Region grant funding opportunity in a single fiscal year.

• Projects should be completed within the 2-year project period after the award date.

• Due to large volumes of grants being processed through this and other grant programs, applicants should expect a processing time of 6 months or more between the time they are informed their project has been selected and the time they receive their project funding award. Information on pre-award costs can be found at Region 9 - Grants & Agreements (usda.gov) within the Grant Proposal Guidance for Partners and the U.S. Forest Service Grants Tip Guide.

• Annual progress reports and annual financial reports are required as well as final reports. Final progress reports must include information on the measurable results and outcomes, as well as spatial data (e.g., shapefiles) of project locations. Supplemental information such as relevant photos, illustrations, diagrams, or maps that help convey the impact of the project will be required as appropriate to project activities.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r9/workingtogether/grants/?cid=fseprd900971

• Projects must post a visible project identification sign, erected as appropriate at each on-the-ground project, that includes project information and purpose, GLRI reference, Federal agencies involved, and civil rights statement. Signs must be submitted for agency review before posting.

• Awardees will be required to comply with all Federal laws and regulations related to the completion of projects as stated in the final Award Document.

• You are encouraged to work with State forestry agencies and research how your project fits into the goals and objectives of the State Forest Action Plan. Look up your State Forester.

http://www.northeasternforests.org/content/member_agencies

Criteria Scoring Rubric:

Table 4.—This rubric is for the review team members to reference while scoring the applications.

Criteria High Score Medium Score Low Score

1. Purpose and Need (20 points)

16-20 points Strong and clear contribution to one or more significant goal, issue, and/or priority landscape in relevant strategic or management plans.

Specific description of meaningful commitment to support/engage underserved communities/people. Includes clear description with data or other evidence of the specific underserved communities/people the project will benefit or how benefits to underserved communities/people were considered in selecting project location(s). (See appendix D).

Strong and clear description of how project contributes to a specific strategy(ies) in the plan/strategy and leverages past work.

Strong and clear demonstration of environmental need.

8-15 points Clear contribution to one or more significant goal, issue, and/or priority landscape in relevant strategic or management plans.

Describes some support/engagement of underserved communities/people.

Clear description of how project contributes to a specific strategy in the region’s plan/strategy and leverages past work.

Clear demonstration of environmental need.

0-7 points A simple assertion or weak or general connection to one or more significant goal, issue, and/or priority landscape in relevant strategic or management plans.

No commitment to support/engage underserved.

Weak contribution and leverage descriptions, if any.

General or weak demonstration of environmental need.

2. Technical Merit and Sustainability (30 points)

20-30 points Compelling, clear, and concise description of sustainable environmental benefits and long-term maintenance and monitoring.

Strategies clearly stated and are known to be effective and considered best management practices.

All required forms and coordination have been submitted and documented and are clear and precise.

Applicant and partner expertise is demonstrated clearly for their specific role.

Project demonstrates strong consideration to the impacts of climate change and other relevant ecosystem stressors and shows clear methods for project resilience.

10-19 points Description of project methods or strategies that are known to be effective.

Description of project maintenance or monitoring is included, and reference is made to climate change or other potential stressors.

Applicant demonstrates relevant experience or expertise.

Forms and coordination are filled out and documented.

0-9 points Weak description or lack of clarity for methods or strategies.

Weak or missing long-term monitoring or maintenance, with little to no consideration of ecosystem stressors.

Applicant experience is not clearly relevant to the project and expertise is not otherwise demonstrated.

Required forms or coordination are incomplete or missing.

3. Measurable Outcomes/Results (30 points)

20-30 points Clearly communicates quantitative outcomes using required metrics appropriate for the Program Area and type of project. Any additional metrics used have a clear purpose and add to the project’s overall effectiveness.

Outcomes clearly address one or more priority issues described in the relevant Program Area, and/or Purpose and Need.

Cost per acre or per gallon intercepted is cost-effective and reasonable, relative to similar projects.

All budget items are clearly described and justified and are allowable.

Qualitative outcomes are clearly described and justified and add to the overall project outcomes.

10-19 points Quantitative outcomes are described using the required metrics appropriate for the Program Area and type of project.

Outcomes make sense in the overall context of the project and stated goals.

Costs are within reason. High costs are justified.

Budget items are allowable, with some description.

Qualitative outcomes are described in context of the overall project and make sense.

0-9 points Metrics used are unclear or do not conform to metric requirements.

Outcomes are weakly associated with the stated project goals.

Costs are unreasonably high without justification.

Budget items are poorly described, if at all.

Qualitative outcomes or additional metrics do not add to the overall project and may not have clear relevance.

Criteria High Score Medium Score Low Score

4. Partnerships and Sharing (10 points)

8-10 points All project partners are listed, and their roles are clearly defined in the context of the project.

Partners are diverse representatives of local community interests.

There is clear indication of meaningful engagement with diverse communities, with purposeful attention to equity and environmental justice.

Key partners, including those with jurisdiction or ownership in the project landscape, are included with clear indication of roles and engagement.

There is strong, clear benefit to partners and local communities from the project outcomes.

4-7 points All partners are listed with their roles.

There has been some attempt to engage with diverse communities and partners.

Some engagement with equity or environmental justice is described.

Partnerships with jurisdiction or ownership are indicated.

There are benefits to project partners and local communities from the project outcomes.

0-3 points It is unclear if all partners were listed, or their roles are uncertain.

There is little to no indication that an effort was made to engage diverse partners or communities or pay attention to equity or environmental justice.

It is unclear if those with jurisdiction or ownership in the project area have been engaged.

It is not clear how the project benefits partners or local communities, or the benefits are weak.

5. Sharing outcomes and knowledge (10 points)

8-10 points Clear and specific description of how others will learn from the project.

Project has high potential to inform practitioners and enhance effectiveness of similar initiatives.

4-7 points Includes description of how others will learn from the project.

Project has moderate potential to inform others.

0-3 points A simple assertion or limited description of how others will learn from the project.

How to Apply Submit all applications for this GLRI funding opportunity through Grants.gov. Search for Grant Opportunity Number USDA-FS-GLRI-FR24. See the Grants.gov organization registration page and appendix C of this document for further detail on how to register and apply for opportunities through Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to this opportunity in Grants.gov to receive updates.

Applicants are required to apply online through Grants.gov using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may access and edit different webforms within an application.

After creating a Workspace, you may work online or download the application package, instructions, and forms, if you prefer to work offline. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package 24 to 48 hours before the closing date to allow time to correct any potential technical issues that disrupt your initial application submission.

If you have not applied for a grant through Grants.gov before, you must complete several registration steps before you can submit your application.

Note: System for Award Management (SAM) registrations may take several weeks, after which a Grants.gov organization account can be obtained within a few days. Please review the requirements for submitting an application and take steps early to be ready to submit your application by the deadline.

• SAM registration must be current and in place at the time you submit your application. This registration should include the Certification for Financial Assistance.

• Grants.gov registration by an authorized organization representative (AOR) Note: There is no fee for SAM registration. Go to www.sam.gov to register and find additional help.

Customer Support: Grants.gov provides customer support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and by email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to this specific grant opportunity, contact program representatives listed in the Contacts section of this document.

Be sure to fill out the required Project Narrative Form and all applicable forms listed below. Other formats will not be accepted. Before turning in your application, ensure that budget numbers align through all the forms, including both SF-424 forms and the Project Narrative Form, and that all required elements are uploaded properly. Forms are accessed through the Grants.gov Package tab, or the Related Documents tab, as indicated below.

Complete application packages include the following (complete all forms in your Grants.gov Workspace):

Required forms available in the Grants.gov Application Package tab:

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction programs (Note: budget numbers in both SF-424 forms should match the budget numbers in the project narrative form)

• Attachments Form (must be included in the application package to attach required items below)

Other forms available in the Grants.gov Application Package tab (submit as applicable; not required if the Federal Financial Assistance certification is complete in SAM.gov registration):

• SF-424B

• AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

• AD-1049, Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace (for all non-State entities) or

AD-1052, Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace (for State and State agencies)

• AD-3030, Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status (for corporate applicants)

Documents submitted using the Attachments Form in Grants.gov (attach in this order):

Narrative Form is available in the Related Documents tab in the Grants.gov opportunity.

• 2024 GLRI Forest Restoration Project Narrative Form (required)

• Tree Planting and Maintenance Plan (required for all applications that include tree and shrub planting)

• Proposed Species List (required for all applications that involve planting non-woody vegetation; the Tree

Planting and Maintenance Plan includes a species list for all trees and shrubs planted)

• Map of project area (required)

• Monitoring plan (recommended)

• Letters of Support (see Minimum Requirements and Important Considerations sections)

• Statement of Experience, if needed

• Other attachments to support application

Important Dates

• Applications Due: September 18, 2024, at 5 p.m. Central / 6 p.m. Eastern

Contacts General Questions: SM.FS.glri@usda.gov.

If you have questions regarding the types of projects or components that can be considered, please contact your respective Field Office Representative:

• Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana: Gina Jorgensen, St. Paul Field Office Representative, 651-649-5276, gina.m.jorgensen@usda.gov

• Ohio and Pennsylvania: Robert Gentry, Morgantown Field Office Representative, 304-285-1540, robert.gentry@usda.gov

• New York: Constance Carpenter, Durham Field Office Representative, 603-868-7694, constance.carpenter@usda.gov

Or contact the Eastern Region State, Private, and Tribal Forestry GLRI Coordinator, Erin Barton, at erin.barton@usda.gov or 612-476-5849.

Review Process All applications will undergo a preliminary review to screen incomplete or ineligible applications and identify any technical issues, such as consistency with applicable authorities. An application review team consisting of staff from the Forest Service and State forestry agencies will collaboratively review and evaluate project applications.

The review team will complete the review of applications and develop a recommended ranking of projects.

Some follow-up may be done with applicants to clarify elements of proposals. The recommended ranking will be submitted for approval by the Regional Forester for the Forest Service’s Eastern Region. All applicants will be notified of the final selection or non-selection of their applications. Full text of Project Narrative Forms and reviewer comments may be shared publicly after selections have been made.

mailto:SM.FS.glri@usda.gov mailto:gina.m.jorgensen@usda.gov mailto:constance.carpenter@usda.gov mailto:erin.barton@usda.gov

Appendix A. Great Lakes Watershed Map FY 2024 USDA Forest Service

Great…