The Forest Health Protection Evaluation Monitoring Program for FY 2023 focuses on early detection and assessment of changes in forest health across all ownerships. This collaborative initiative targets undesirable changes in forest conditions, investigating issues such as shifts in fire regimes, tree mortality, and pathogen outbreaks. Proposals for projects must be submitted by October 17, 2022, and will be evaluated based on priority categories, significance of the health issue, method feasibility, budget efficiency, and community engagement.
Project proposals must aim to advance climate-informed monitoring, explore cross disturbance interactions, and assess early detection of disturbances. The funding for these projects depends on appropriations and availability. Continuous projects from previous years can receive priority if sufficient progress has been reported. Final reporting requires detailed submissions in specified formats and must acknowledge funding sources. The program emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges impacting disadvantaged communities and fostering environmental justice throughout project implementation. Overall, this document outlines the framework for applying for federal grants to support critical forest health investigations and management efforts.
The proposed project aims to enhance climate-informed monitoring of forest ecosystems by integrating climate science, remote sensing technology, and various datasets, addressing the impacts of disturbances such as drought, pests, and fire on forest health and related benefits like carbon storage and human health. The project's goals include the early detection of disturbances and their effects, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, including forest management partners.
The proposal outlines a budget for three years, specifying funding sources, including federal support, non-federal matching, and leveraged funds, though specific dollar amounts are currently listed as zero. It emphasizes community involvement and advancing environmental justice by engaging with local communities and Tribal Nations. Additionally, the project is aligned with the Forest Health Protection agenda, contributing significantly to forest health issues.
Overall, this initiative seeks to provide actionable insights into forest resilience in the face of climate change while fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders. The project will deliver various anticipated products that address critical environmental challenges and promote sustainable forestry practices.