Cooperative Forestry Assistance

With respect to nonfederal forest and other rural lands to assist in the advancement of forest resources management and conservation; developing genetically improved tree seeds and seedlings; producing and distributing tree seeds and seedlings; promo

There are nearly 500 million acres of non-Federal forest land in the United States, comprising about 20 percent of the Nation, and two-thirds of the Nation's forests. Management practices on these lands impact the social, economic, and natural environment for everyone. Cooperative Forestry works with States, private landowners, and other partners to promote healthy forests and livable communities throughout the United States. Programs and partnerships help private landowners and rural communities manage their forests, strengthen local economies, and maintain a high quality of life.

State Forestry or equivalent State agencies, Tribes, non-profits, and municipalities are eligible. All States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the territories and possessions of the United States are eligible.

Landowners of nonfederal lands; rural community fire fighting forces; urban and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, Tribes and other State, local, and private agencies acting through State Foresters, equivalent State officials, or other official representatives.

To assist State Forester or equivalent designated state official(s) in forest stewardship programs on private, State, local, and other nonfederal forest and rural lands. Programs may include production of timber and efficient processing and use of wood products; developing genetically improved tree seeds and seedlings; producing and distributing tree seeds and seedlings; promoting afforestation and reforestation; timber stand improvement; improving wildlife habitat; assisting private woodland owners in harvesting, processing, and marketing activities; conversion of wood to energy; protection and improvement of forest soil fertility; forest insect and disease management; urban and community forestry; development and transfer of new and improved fire prevention, control, suppression and prescribed fire technologies; organization of shared fire suppression resources, and achievement of more efficient fire protection for States and local communities; provision of financial, technical and related assistance to local rural fire fighting forces; acquisition and loan of Federal excess property; organizational improvement; forestry resources planning; conservation of forest land; pursuit and development of new market drivers for conservation (e.g. carbon, ecosystem services, conservation finance); coordination of landscape scale efforts and the inclusion of private lands in large-scale planning and conservation efforts; and technology transfer.

Construction, Small Business Ownership, Research

Grants may be awarded for up to 5 years.

Most grants to State Forestry Agencies are approved on the basis of negotiated targets or objectives to be achieved. A specific project focus may be developed by State Urban Forestry Councils.

Established by the Regional Office or International Institute of Tropical Forestry.

From 10 to 60 days. State single point of contact will have 30 days from notification of tentative allotments to comment.