LSR Tribal Project Form-20220805.pdf

USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program Project Narrative for Federally Recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations

Project Title: Provide a descriptive title for this project. Please use this title on all proposal submission communications and documents.

Project Applicant: Name of Tribal Government, Tribal organization, or Alaska Native Corporation/Village applying for Federal funding.

Project Contact: Name and contact information for lead project contact.

Name: Title/Project Role:

Email: Phone:

LSR Program Objectives the Project Addresses Projects should prioritize funding and other resources toward one or more of the national LSR objectives below. Please select a primary objective. This is for reference and clarity and not for scoring purposes.

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.

Project Landscape, Goals, and Objectives (10 points) Character Limit: 2,000

• Describe the project landscape/geographic location and natural resource values of importance including ecological, social, and economic benefits, (e.g., clean air and water, public health benefits, fish and wildlife habitat, forest products, and cultural resources) and primary needs or threats to those values.

• Describe specific areas targeted for restoration activities. If specific areas are not identified yet, describe how they will be identified as part of project implementation.

• Include project goals and how the project contributes to LSR program objectives (listed above).

Priorities Identified in Science-Based Restoration Strategy (20 points) Character Limit: 2,000 Describe how the project supports one or more priority landscapes, goals, or strategies identified in a science-based restoration strategy, such as a Tribal Forest Plan, State Forest Action Plan, or other equivalent restoration strategy.

Cross Boundary Collaboration (20 Points) Character Limit: 2,000 Describe cross-boundary goals and how the project advances or contributes to complementary and/or adjacent landscape restoration initiatives, strategies, or plans on Federal, other Tribal, state, and/or private lands.

Examples of complementary landscape policies, initiatives, and mechanisms could include Tribal Forest Protection Act, Forest Service 10-year fire strategy, climate adaptation plans, Good Neighbor Authority, Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, and stewardship contracting.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildfire-crisis

Proposed Activities and Leveraged Resources (20 Points) Character Limit: 4,500 Clearly describe the activities to be completed with grant funds and leveraged resources; including how and when each activity will be accomplished. Link specific project activities to funding amounts in the Project Budget and to stated project goals and objectives. Projects should maximize Forest Service State and Private Forestry funding by using it to leverage contributions from both Federal and non-Federal entities. Identify partners that have demonstrated a commitment and add value towards planning and carrying out the project/project activities and describe what these partners contribute.

Measurable Outcomes (20 Points) Character Limit: 1,500 Describe how the project activities/objectives will lead to measurable outcome on the landscape and how applicants will measure progress towards those outcomes. Desired outcomes of the program include reduced wildfire risk, improved fish and wildlife habitats, maintained or improved water quality, and mitigated invasive plants, insects, and disease. Refer to the list of LSR measurable outcomes on page 4 of the FY 2023 Request for Proposals document.

Sustainability of Outcomes (10 Points) Character Limit: 1,500 Describe how the project activities and outcomes will position the applicant to achieve longer term restoration goals after the grant closes. Includes any funding, outreach, training, technical assistance, or related opportunities that result in skills and capability that extend beyond the life of the project.

Project Budget While match is encouraged, the Forest Service will consider a match wavier or reduced match from Federally Recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporation/villages applicants.

Match may include cash or in-kind contributions of goods, property, services.

Non-match leverage may include contributions from other Federal sources.

Budget Category Description of How Funds will be Used Federal Funds

(Whole $)

Non-Federal Match

(Whole $)

Non-Match Leverage (Whole $)

a. Personnel/Labor

b. Fringe Benefits

c. Travel

d. Equipment

e. Supplies

f. Contractual

g. Other

Total Direct Costs (Sum of A-G above)

Indirect Costs

Project Total (Direct Costs + Indirect Costs)

Description of Budget Categories:

• Personnel: Provide justification for personnel expenses and list each position by title.

• Fringe Benefits: Fringe benefits should be based on actual known costs or an established formula. Fringe benefits are for the personnel listed in budget category (a) and only for the percentage of time devoted to the project.

• Travel: Provide a description of the travel expenses and purpose of travel relevant to the project.

• Equipment: Single unit values of $5,000 or greater with a useful life of more than 1 year. Itemize equipment and cost per unit. Include items under $5,000 in the "Supplies" category. Equipment purchased with Federal funds requires tracking and reporting that may extend beyond the life of the grant. Applicants should analyze the cost benefits of purchasing versus leasing equipment, especially high-cost items and those subject to rapid technical advances. List rented or leased equipment costs in the “Contractual” category.

• Supplies: Provide detailed information about expenses for supplies for the project. Supplies with a unit value of $5,000 or more are treated as if the supplies are equipment.

• Contractual: Describe the product or services to be paid by consultant, contractual, or as a lease/rental.

• Other

• Indirect Costs: Indirect costs must be tied to an established rate. Waived indirect costs are an acceptable source of match. Recipients must utilize either their approved overhead rate or the standard deminimus rate for budget calculations.