Grant Application Period Open for Federal Community Forest Program
A federal program that provides financial assistance to local governments, Tribal governments and nonprofit entities for establishing community forests is now available. The program provides assistance grants for acquisition of private forestlands threatened with conversion to non-forest use. Lands eligible for grants under the program must be private forest at least 5 acres in size, at least 75 percent forested, and suitable to sustain natural forest cover. The lands must not be held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Indian tribe. Passed under the 2008 Farm Bill, the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program authorizes the U.S. Forest Service to pay up to 50 percent of the project costs to a maximum of $400,000. The purpose of the program is to protect forestland from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits. Lands must be threatened by conversion to nonforest uses, allow public access, and be offered for sale by a willing seller. Community benefits as described under the Community Forest Program include: * Sustainable forestry; * Recreation; * Educational and experiential learning opportunities; * Wildlife habitat; * Clean air, water, and other environmental benefits. More about the Community Forest Program: Community Forests can be owned by local governments, tribes, and qualified nonprofit entities. All projects must complete a Community Forest Plan within 120 days after land acquisition; a draft of the plan is due at the time of application. Technical assistance from the Oregon Department of Forestry for development of the Community Forest Plan may be available in addition to the land acquisition costs of the project. Projects consisting of conservation easements are not eligible. The program pays up to 50 percent of acquisition costs — and requires at least a 50 percent non-federal match. Qualified non-profits and local governments apply through the Oregon Department of Forestry; Indian Tribes apply directly to the U.S. Forest Service. Oregon framework – suggestions for applicants: Applications should include a letter from the private landowner that indicates the landowner is a voluntary, willing seller supporting the project. In addition, projects that result in one or more of the following are encouraged: * A written and approved Oregon forest management plan – or the commitment to develop one before closing on the acquisition. * Third party certification through the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). * Property demonstrates effective forest stewardship and sustainable forestry as opposed to being in a degraded condition. * Property is located within an urban-rural interface area threatened with conversion to non-forestry use. * Land management supports implementation of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife’s “Conservation Strategy”. * A strong landowner/public forestry/outdoor education component. Applications from family forestry related non-profit organizations – with local forestland owner and community involvement, and demonstrated financial and organizational capacity to manage the property – are strongly encouraged. A preference will be given for properties already demonstrating effective forest stewardship and sustainable forestry as opposed to properties in a degraded condition. Application deadline: All applicants must send an email to communityforest@fs.fed.us to confirm an application has been submitted to the Oregon Department of Forestry for funding consideration. Hard copy or electronic versions of applications need to be submitted to: Jarrett Caston, Oregon Department of Forestry. 2600 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97310, jcaston@odf.state.or.us (503) 945-7382 and received no later than close of business, January 16, 2015. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Jarrett Caston with any questions. For the national Request for Applications, go to:
http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/library/2014_app_fed_rfa.pdf For more information about the Community Forest Program: http://www.oregon.gov/odf/privateforests/pages/incentivescfp.aspx
For information about the Oregon Conservation Strategy: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/
