Forest Stewardship Program

The Forest Stewardship Program works in partnership with state forestry agencies to connect private landowners with the information and tools they need to manage their forests and woodlands. Actively managed forests provide timber, fuel wood, wildlif

Within the US, there are 10.6M private landowners who own 267 million acres of forest. The Forest Stewardship Program is a partnership between the USDA Forest Service and state forestry agencies for state-delivered technical assistance for the planning and management of these non-industrial private forests. The program helps landowners plan and manage for economic productivity and improve the resilience and health of their forests. Leveraging 3,500+ state service foresters, this program is the foundational assistance that connects landowners to technical advice, market opportunities, and financial assistance.

State forestry or equivalent State agencies are eligible. All States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and territories and possessions of the United States may be eligible. Non-profit and Institutions of Higher Learning may be eligible on a limited/situational basis.

Landowners of nonindustrial private forest lands, non-profit organizations, and other State, local, and private agencies acting through State Foresters, equivalent State officials, or other official representatives are eligible. Landowners seeking assistance through the Forest Stewardship Program should contact their state forest agency directly. Program guidelines differ from state to state.

To provide financial, technical, educational, and related assistance to State foresters or equivalent State officials for: the delivery of information and professional assistance to owners of nonindustrial private forest lands; the afforestation, reforestation, and active management of state and other non-federal forest land; and improved forest seedling production and distribution.

Construction related expenses are prohibited under this listing.

Grants are normally awarded for a period of 1-3 years with five years as the maximum length of an award.

Applicant grant proposals are reviewed and funds are granted by Regional Office, the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, or Field Offices.

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

From 30 to 60 days after the application is filed with the Forest Service Regional Office, Field Office, or the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. States and eligible applicants are requested to submit Form SF-424(A) with SF-424 application and other required narratives, forms and assurances as advised by the Regional Office, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, and Field Offices within 30 to 60 days following official funding advice notification.

The SF-424(A) with SF-424 application is required to amend the grant amount or the length of the performance period. Other requirements may be established by the Regional Office, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, or Field Office.