Landscape-Scale-Restoration-RFA-Northeast-Midwest-20220824.pptx

Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Grant Program for the Northeast and Midwest Photo by Bob Zaino, from the Women in the Woods project in Vermont.

Presenting from N’dakinna, homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook, and Wabanaki people, who I acknowledge and honor with gratitude.

I’m presenting from N’dakinna, homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook, and Wabanaki people. I acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land, waters, and alnobak who have stewarded N’dakinna throughout the generations.

Webinar Agenda Program overview, eligibility and key points Scoring criteria Application forms and process Tips for a competitive application Remaining questions!

Please type questions into the chat as you think of them! I’ll pause often throughout to answer the questions coming in. I’ll also pause to take questions verbally from those who are dialed in by phone.

Photo credit: Ken Dudzik, Northern Research Station (retired)

Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Program Purpose:

To encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes.

Competitive grant program authorized by Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act

The 2018 Farm Bill amended the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, codifying the State and Private Forestry Landscape Restoration Program and the program purpose to encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes.

4 LSR Funding Opportunities for FY 2023 Northeast and Midwest South West For federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations

Search for LSR in Grants.gov Refer to the national LSR website for the national directive.

National LSR Objectives (projects need to support one of these) Reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires.

Improve fish and wildlife habitats, including for threatened and endangered species.

Maintain or improve water quality and watershed function.

Mitigate invasive species, insect infestation, and disease.

Improve important forest ecosystems.

Measure ecological and economic benefits including air quality and soil quality and productivity.

Projects shall prioritize funding and other resources toward one or more of these national LSR objectives.

Outcomes on Non-Federal Rural Lands = population of 50,000 or less Use this LSR Project Planning Tool (Project Eligibility Tab) to confirm if a city or town is rural (2020 Census).

LSR Directive: “High impact projects that lead to measurable outcomes on the landscape, leverage public and private resources, and further priorities identified in each State Forest Action Plan or equivalent restoration strategy.”

Outcomes on rural nonindustrial private, Tribal (including Tribal trust land), State, and/or local government forest land.

On-the-Ground Outcomes on Rural Lands: For the purposes of this program, “rural” means any area other than an urbanized area such as a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants according to the latest census.

Landscape Scale Restoration projects focus on rural land. Applicants can use this map to confirm that their proposed project is rural or outside the areas in red, which are the US Census Populated Places. These designated places (cities, towns and municipalities) have a population of more than 50,000 people as of 2020

Eligible Applicants State forestry or appropriate agencies Nonprofit organizations Universities Local units of government Federally recognized Tribes (and Alaska Native Corporations)

State Forester sponsor letter required There is a separate national FY23 request for proposals for federally recognized Tribes.

For profit organizations are not eligible to submit applications under this competition.

State Forester Sponsorship: All applications submitted, except those submitted by Tribes, must have a State Forester sponsor. Each State Forester may sponsor no more than 5 applications (single, multistate, or cross-regional); however, applications with 11 or more State Forester sponsors and applications submitted by Tribes do not count against this limit of 5 applications per State.

Photo Credit: Sherri Wormstead

Minimums and Maximums Minimum application Fed. amount = $25,000 Each State Forester can submit/sponsor 5 applications Note: Applications with 11 or more State Forester sponsors and applications submitted by Tribes do not count against the 5 Max. total funding awarded to benefit any one State or Tribe = 15% of total available for R9 (e.g., if funding is $4 million, then the max per State and Tribe would be $600,000) Max. Fed. funding for multistate projects = $600,000 LSR grants are completed within 3 years.

Minimum and Maximum Funding Levels:

The minimum Federal funding per project is $25,000.

The maximum amount of Federal funding awarded to any one State (State cap) or Tribe via this competitive process is 15% of the total available. As in past years, for FY 2022, funds available to the Eastern Region are based on the final fiscal year appropriation from Congress for the LSR Program and the funding allocation to the Region from the Agency’s Washington Office. While the funding level may fluctuate from year to year, for planning purposes, the Eastern Region Federal funding for LSR has been approximately $4 million annually.

The maximum Federal funding for a multistate or cross-regional project is $600,000.

Note:

41 applications submitted in FY22. 17 projects funded with $4.16 million Federal funding for Northeast & Midwest LSR program

1 to 1 Matching Funds Required Match is funding or in-kind contributions from non-Federal sources.

Some eligible sources of match:

Funding from your (applicant) agency or org.

Funding from non-Federal partners Volunteer time implementing the project* Donation of equipment, supplies, meeting space Services provided at a reduced cost Tribal 638 BIA Contracting Funds Refer to the “Matching Funds” document for more info.

* Consult the Independent Sector value of volunteer time for rates per state (ranges from $25 to $34).

Required Matching Funds of 1 to 1: One-to-one matching funds must be derived entirely from non-Federal sources. The match must be met by eligible and allowable costs and is subject to match provisions in grant regulations (Code of Federal Regulations Title 2 Part 200.306 and Subpart E for Cost Principles). Match must meet all the same requirements as the Federal share and be documented sufficiently to support financial tracking and accountability. See the Matching Funds document for more guidance.

BIA 638 funds are allowed to be used as match per the Indian Self Determination and Education Act.

S&PF Authorities for LSR Projects LSR is authorized in Section 13A of the Cooperative Forest Assistance Act (CFAA) and uses the authorities for the following CFAA programs:

Forest Stewardship Rural Forestry Assistance Urban and Community Forestry Forest Health Protection State Fire Assistance

Eligible Authorities and Project Types for LSR Projects must conform to laws and authorities in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act.

Allowable authorities for LSR: Forest Stewardship, Rural Forestry Assistance, Urban and Community Forestry, Forest Health Protection, and Community and Private Land Fire Assistance (State Fire Assistance). The authorities for this RFA may be used singly or in combination.

Ineligible authorities for LSR: Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance, Forest Legacy, Community Forest and Open Space, and Federal Lands Forest Health Management.

Photo Credit: Ken Dudzik, NRS

Example Eligible Projects Forest management treatments to improve water quality and watershed health and/or wildlife habitat.

Survey, prioritization, and treatment to control invasive plants in a high-priority landscape.

Tree planting projects in communities with a population of 50,000 or less.

Demonstration projects that achieve on-the-ground accomplishments and provide education/training.

Treatments to reduce or mitigate hazardous wildland fire fuels in priority rural forest lands.

Some Activities Not Eligible For LSR Funding and 1 to 1 Match Cost-share, reimbursement, and other payments directly to private landowners Construction and capital improvements Research Small business start-up funding Projects on Federal land Projects in cities/towns with population over 50,000 Land purchase and purchase of conservation easements Lymantria dispar (spongy moth) Slow-the-Spread (STS) projects

Projects Not Eligible under this RFA

• Activities in cities or towns with greater than 50,000 inhabitants. Refer to the LSR Project Planning Tool.

• 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 research as non-match leverage (not funded with the LSR Federal dollars or associated match).

• Construction and capital improvements (facilities, infrastructure, roads). However, capital improvements may be listed as enhanced leverage (not part of the S&PF Federal funding or match).

• Purchase of fire department equipment, including fire weather stations and dry fire hydrants.

• Small business start-up funding.

• Cost-share, reimbursement, and other types of payment directly to private landowners; however, LSR funding (and match) may be used to perform work on private lands.

• While projects may include a component of outreach, education, and/or training as a means to achieve the project objectives, outreach and education should not be the sole outcome.

• Lymantria dispar (previously known by the common name gypsy moth) Slow-the-Spread (STS) projects. These are determined in cooperation with the STS Foundation.

• Forest Legacy Program and Community Forest and Open Space Program acquisition projects.

Note: Non-match leveraged contributions can be used to fund activities not eligible.

Photo Credit: USDA Forest Service Eastern Region

Scoring Criteria

Scoring Criteria for LSR Project Selection Priority Issues and/or Landscapes in the State Forest Action Plan(s) (25 points) Measurable Outcomes (35 points) Collaboration and Integrated Delivery (20 points) Leverage (10 points) Knowledge and Technical Transfer (10 points) Benefit to Underserved Communities/People (6 points)

Criteria 1. Priority Issues/ Landscapes in State Forest Action Plan(s) (SFAP) or Equivalent Restoration Strategy Demonstrate focus on a significant issue and/or priority landscape in the respective plan(s).

Describe how the project will bring a State or region to a desired future condition, goal, or strategy as articulated in the respective plan(s).

Equivalent Restoration Strategy:

Is complete or substantially complete;

Is for a multi-year period;

Covers non-industrial private forest land or state forest land;

Is accessible by wood processing infrastructure; and Is based on the best available science.

points

Criteria 1. Priority Issues and/or Landscapes in the State Forest Action Plan(s) (25 points) Projects will be based on an analysis within the State or region that identifies the issue or landscape being addressed as a priority in the State Forest Action Plan(s) or equivalent restoration strategy.

Demonstrate focus on a significant issue and/or priority landscape in the respective State Forest Action Plan(s) or equivalent restoration strategy.

Describe how the project will bring a State or region to a desired future condition, goal, or strategy as articulated in the respective plan(s).

Refer to the Landscape Scale Conservation Web Map Viewer to learn about multistate priority areas listed in the 2020 State Forest Action Plans.

Note: Most States now have a 2020 State Forest Action Plan (except Vermont, which was revised in 2017). The plans are posted on the National Association of State Foresters website. If you don’t see the 2020 plan posted there, contact the relevant State Forester(s) or Sherri Wormstead.

Equivalent Restoration Strategy (from the Forest Service Directive for LSR):

Is complete or substantially complete;

Is for a multi-year period;

Covers non-industrial private forest land or state forest land;

Is accessible by wood processing infrastructure; and Is based on the best available science.

Criteria 2.

Measurable Outcomes Describe how project outcomes will result in science-based restoration of priority landscapes.

Prioritize funding and other resources toward one or more of the national LSR objectives.

Accomplish at least one on-the-ground national quantitative measures; show how the Federal investment will lead to outcomes on the landscape.

Describe outcomes in relationship to proposed budget. Reviewers will assess if outcomes are commensurate with the budget.

Criteria 2. Measurable Outcomes (35 points) Describe how the project outcomes will result in science-based restoration of priority landscapes.

Projects shall prioritize funding and other resources toward one or more of the national LSR objectives: Reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires.

Improve fish and wildlife habitats, including for threatened and endangered species.

Maintain or improve water quality and watershed function.

Mitigate invasive species, insect infestation, and disease.

Improve important forest ecosystems.

Measure ecological and economic benefits, including air quality and soil quality and productivity.

Each LSR project must accomplish at least one of the on-the-ground national quantitative measures listed on the next page and may include additional specific measurable results that show how the Federal investment will lead to outcomes on the landscape. 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).

Include description of less quantifiable return on investments in the narrative section.

Describe outcomes in relationship to the proposed budget. In the budget spreadsheet, provide a brief description to justify each budget category requested. Reviewers will assess if outcomes are commensurate with the budget.

National LSR Objectives Reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires.

Improve fish and wildlife habitats, including for threatened and endangered species.

Maintain or improve water quality and watershed function.

Mitigate invasive species, insect infestation, and disease.

Improve important forest ecosystems.

Measure ecological and economic benefits including air quality and soil quality and productivity.

Projects shall prioritize funding and other resources toward one or more of these national LSR objectives.

National Quantitative Measures for LSR “Outcomes on the Ground” Acres treated to reduce hazardous fuels Acres treated to enhance wildlife habitat Miles of riparian forest treated to enhance wildlife habitat Acres of trees/seedlings planted to enhance water quality Miles of riparian forest treated to enhance water quality Number of trees, saplings, and/or seedlings planted to enhance water quality Acres treated for insects and disease Acres invasive plant/weed management Acres new forest stewardship or other forest management plans Number of forest landowners reached through technical assistance in more than on interaction and benefit in significant, lasting way Tons of pulpwood or biomass produced Board feet of logs/sawlogs produced

These measures are in LaSR, the reporting system for LSR.

Each LSR project must accomplish at least one of these on-the-ground national quantitative measures.

This list also serves as the list of what can be consider “on-the-ground” for that program requirement.

Plans: A forest management plan could include a Tribal forest management plan, Forest Stewardship Plan, CAP 106 plan, Tree Farm plan, tax abatement plan, or equivalent state forest, watershed, or landscape plan. If a landscape plan, the plan must focus on discrete/specific geography such as a watershed and is not state-wide.

Forest landowners reached through technical assistance in more than one interaction and known to have benefited in some significant and lasting way (e.g., developed or implemented a forest management activity or practice). This does not include a landowner who simply attended a technical or training session without any follow-up or were spoken to only once, such as over the phone, with no follow-up.

Criteria 3. Collaboration and Integrated Delivery ID partners that demonstrate a commitment and add value to the project.

Seek to improve delivery of public benefits from forest management by coordinating with complementary State and Federal programs and partnership efforts.

Describe land ownerships for the project area and cross-boundary goals: Can include combination of Tribal, State, local government, and private lands.

Demonstrate benefits as a result of collaboration.

Criteria 3. Collaboration and Integrated Delivery (20 points) Identify partners that have demonstrated a commitment and add value toward planning and carrying out the project and describe what these partners will contribute.

Seek to improve the delivery of public benefits from forest management by coordination with or proximity to complementary State and Federal programs and partnership efforts when possible, e.g., Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, landscape areas designated for insect and disease treatments under section 602 of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003, Good Neighbor Authority, National Forest stewardship contracting projects, Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, Shared Stewardship agreements, and relevant State-level programs.

Describe land ownerships for the project area and cross-boundary goals, which can include a combination of Tribal, State, local government, and private land ownerships, e.g., multiple private landowners, private and State landowners, State and Federal landowners, State and local government, State and Tribal landowners, etc.

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

Note: Collaboration may be qualitative in nature, and the contribution of the partners may be more important than the number of partners involved. Multistate collaboration and integration of projects are encouraged. Refer to the Landscape Scale Conservation Web Map Viewer to learn about multistate priority areas listed in the 2020 State Forest Action Plans.

Criteria 4. Leverage Projects should maximize S&PF funding by using it to leverage contributions from both Federal and non-Federal entities.

Describe contributions from partners in this section and clearly list in the Budget Spreadsheet.

Include match and additional non-match leveraged.

Photo by Cotton Randall, from White Oak Project in Ohio.

Criteria 4. Leverage (10 points) Projects should maximize S&PF funding by using it to leverage contributions from both Federal and non-Federal entities. Project applications need to clearly identify the LSR Federal funds requested and the associated non-Federal contributions in the SF-424A and Budget Spreadsheet. Provide details about leveraged contributions, including match from partners and additional non-match leveraged contributions. Note: Collaboration with a for-profit Conservation Finance partner can be a powerful leverage multiplier, but this requires careful budget segregation to ensure Federal grants are not earning income.

Photo Credit: Cotton Randall

Criteria 5. Knowledge and Technical Transfer Technical transfer: The sharing of knowledge, tools, and innovations for practical application.

Describe how others will learn from the work done on this project… potential to inform practitioners and enhance the effectiveness of similar initiatives.

Projects should include a component of outreach, training, lessons learned, or related opportunities.

Criteria 5. Knowledge and Technical Transfer (10 points) Technical transfer is defined as the sharing of knowledge, tools, and innovations for practical application. As specifically as possible, describe how others will learn from the work done on this project. Describe the project’s potential to inform practitioners and enhance the effectiveness of similar initiatives. Knowledge and technical transfer need not necessarily be between States but should aim to share innovation across the landscapes of importance wherever it can be utilized. 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. While projects may include a component of outreach, education, and/or training as a means to achieve the project goals, outreach and education should not be the sole outcome.

Criteria 6. Benefit to Underserved Communities/People In support of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and the Forest Service Equity Action Plan

Includes:

Description of benefitting underserved communities/recipients Description of how the project benefits or engages underserved communities/people

In support of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, and the Forest Service Equity Action Plan, FY 2023 national guidance for LSR requires the regional LSR processes to promote equity in the guidance and scoring criteria to ensure Tribes and historically underserved communities have equitable access to and benefit from the LSR program. LSR applications are strongly encouraged to meaningfully incorporate these elements:

A. A description of the benefiting communities or recipients.

Use data or other evidence to describe the underserved communities or recipients the project will benefit. Applicants may use the national tools and datasets listed below and/or more localized knowledge such as Tribal, local, or State data, to describe the population demographics, such as persistent poverty, or persons of color or other underserved people; or community vulnerabilities such as health, economic, environmental, and climate impacts.

When the project locations are not known at the application stage, describe if and how equity and serving socially vulnerable or underserved populations will be considered in selecting project locations/benefiting communities.

B. A description of how the project benefits or engages underserved communities or people.

Definitions: Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support of Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, Sec. 2.

The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of “equity.”

Photo Credit: USDA Forest Service photo by Justin Sperry.

Identifying and Describing Underserved Communities/People Underserved Communities: “Populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life…” “Such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.”

Encourage use of local/state info. to identify and describe underserved communities/recipients.

National datasets added to LSR Project Planning Tool (optional):

CDC Social Vulnerability Index (by county and tracts) EPA Environmental Justice Screen demographic index Persistent Poverty Counties (some in WV and OH)

Resources: Applicants are encouraged to use local data and collaborate with local partners to support the information provided in this section. Some national data sources that can be used to understand the demographic characteristics of specific communities are now available in the LSR Project Planning Tools: Project Planning tab.

• Persistent Poverty Counties: The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) defines counties as being persistently poor if 20 percent or more of their populations were living in poverty based on three decades of U.S. Census Data. See the ERS County Typology Codes, 2015 Edition, for a full list of counties.

• Center for Disease Control (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index: This online interactive map uses 15 U.S. census variables, which can be viewed individually, as an overall vulnerability index, or as 4 separate indices: socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing type and transportation.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Justice Screen and Mapping Tool (EJScreen): With this online tool, under “Socioeconomic Indicators,” the “Demographic Index” is based on the average of low-income and people of color (by Census block group). You can also view each of those indicators separately, as well as other demographic indicators.

Optional: Equity Layers in the LSR Project Planning Tool Select “Equity Layers” from the LSR Project Planning Tool Can also upload your own geospatial data layer and/or draw a polygon on the web map viewer.

Can save the map displayed as an image or pdf.

Example Benefits of an LSR Project to Underserved Communities/People Forest management actions that benefit underserved communities and/or people, including landowners.

Applicant or project partners that represent historically underserved people are leading/actively engaged in project.

Watershed restoration that improves or protects drinking water supplies in communities with persistent poverty.

Hazardous fuels or forest health treatments that reduce risk to underserved communities.

Employment or forest management job training for underserved people.

Technical assistance that helps underserved landowners establish management plans for their land.

Scoring Rubric

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

Application Forms and Process

Project Narrative Fillable PDF

Note: Clearly articulate the methods employed, timelines, and resources needed in the “Project Description” section of the Project Narrative Form.

Clearly and concisely respond to each section. For the longer sections we encourage you to include sub-headings, line spacing, and/or other formatting for ease of reading (rather than fill every line with words). You may format text in MS Word and then copy and paste it into this Form. Some text formatting is available in the PDF form, e.g., bold, underline, and italic. To format text in the Form: Highlight the text, right click, and select “Text Style.”

There is a section for each of the scoring criteria. On the measurable outcomes page, make sure to place the total acres/miles, as relevant at the bottom on the form. E.g., removing invasive plants on 100 acres also improves wildlife habitat on the same 100 acres; the total acres of rural forest land improved is 100.

Budget Spreadsheet

Refer to the instructions tab of the spreadsheet. Make sure to fill in a description of how the funds will be used to justify the expense.

How to Apply Submit all applications through Grants.gov Search for LSR or Opportunity: USDA-FS-2023-LSR-Northeast-Midwest Sept. 29: Submit draft of application form and budget table to involved State Forester(s) (not required for Tribes) Nov. 10 (by 6 p.m. Eastern): Applications due in Grants.gov Grants.gov provides 24/7 support:

Toll-free number = 1-800-518-4726 Email = support@grants.gov

Getting Ready to Apply Before working in Grants.gov your organization/agency will need:

Employer Identification Number (~5 weeks) System Award Management (SAM) registration to obtain Unique Entity ID (UEI) (7-10 days) Register your organization/agency in Grants.gov with your UEI (same day) Then individuals who will sign and prepare the application: Register for a Grants.gov account and add a profile for the Organization/Agency. Make sure the individual who will sign the application has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) role (same day)

Grants.gov Opportunity: USDA-FS-2023-LSR-Northeast-Midwest

Grants.gov Opportunity: Related Documents

Grants.gov Opportunity: Package

Timeline for FY 2023 Aug. 10: Announced RFA in Grants.gov and on R9 LSR webpage Sept. 29: Applications due to state foresters (for sponsorship) Nov. 10: Applications due in Grants.gov Nov. 14 – Dec. 9: Preliminary review of applications to ensure eligibility and requirements Dec. – Jan. 2023: Interagency Review Team score applications. Forest Service Eastern Region approval and Northeast Midwest State Foresters Alliance Executive Committee concurrence on ranked list.

Feb. 2023: Submit ranked list of recommended LSR projects to the U.S. Forest Service, Washington Office. Then send to all State Foresters and all applicants. Post on R9 LSR webpage.

Spring 2023: Announce funded applications.

Note:

In FY22, 41 applications were submitted; 17 projects funded with $4.16 million Federal funding for Northeast & Midwest LSR program.

= 41% of applications submitted were funded. Average rate of funding over the past 5 years = 38%

Grant Implementation and Reporting for Funded Projects A Forest Service grant monitor is assigned.

Projects completed in 1-3 years.

Annual reporting:

March 31: Grant performance reporting Oct. 28: Project performance and spatial data reporting in the Landscape Scale Restoration (LaSR) database LSR Interactive Map

Reporting: In addition to the standard annual reporting requirements associated with all U.S. Forest Service grants to States and partners, funded LSR projects are required to provide annual project performance and spatial data through the Landscape Scale Restoration database (LaSR) no later than October 28 each year. This requires both Forest Service grant monitors and LSR grant recipients to coordinate in entering project information. If an LSR grant recipient is new to this reporting process, they will need to sign up for an account to access the LaSR module. The assigned Forest Service grant monitor can assist with this.

Annual Accomplishments Reporting Due in LaSR Oct. 28 Discrete impact area required Accomplishments for at least one national measure Explore projects (LaSR reports): LSR Interactive Map

Tips!

Tips from Past Reviewers for Competitive Applications Clear Writing: Succinct who, what, when, where, and why. Good organization and formatting.

Why Important? Clear problem statement with info. to provide context for the issue and/or project area.

State Forest Action Plan (SFAP): Strong, direct connection to specific SFAP priorities/strategies.

Budget: Clear explanation of how Fed. funds and match will be used. Costs relative to deliverables.

Tips from Past Reviewers for Competitive Applications Partners and Cross-Boundary: Strong partner collaboration (and support letters). Describe if builds on existing efforts in project area/adjacent lands.

Outcomes: Strong description of realistic outcomes on the landscape (identify the landscape and ownership).

Have others review your application!

Reach out to the USDA Forest Service Field Office with questions regarding activities allowed, etc.

Forest Service Eastern Region LSR Contacts Eastern Region S&PF Contact for LSR:

Sherri Wormstead, LSR Program Manager, 603-244-0799, sherri.j.wormstead@usda.gov New England and New York:

Constance Carpenter, Durham, NH Field Office Rep., 603-809-8666, constance.carpenter@usda.gov Mid-Atlantic States (DC, DE, MD, NJ, OH, PA, WV):

Joe Koloski, Morgantown, WV Field Office Rep., 304-285-1540, joseph.koloski@usda.gov Midwest States (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, WI):

Gina Jorgensen, St. Paul, MN, Field Office Rep., 651-247-0130, gina.m.jorgensen@usda.gov For Tribes: Field Reps. or Sierra Dawkins, Acting Tribal Relations Program Lead, sierra.dawkins@usda.gov

Regional LSR Website

Thank You! Questions?

Contact Sherri Wormstead: sherri.j.wormstead@usda.gov, 603-244-0799 Grants.gov Opportunity USDA-FS-2023-LSR-Northeast-Midwest.

R9 LSR website: Past applications, ranked and funded lists, and reviewer comments for FY22.

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