USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support: Landowner Payment Programs for Carbon Stewardship Practices
ID: 355252Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Forest Service (USDA-FS)

Award Range

$0 - $5M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Other

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355252

Additional Information

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/state-private-tribal-forestry/coop-forestry/ira-forest-landowner-support
Timeline
    Description

    The USDA Forest Service is offering a funding opportunity under the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at supporting private forest landowners through financial compensation for implementing carbon stewardship practices. Proposals are invited from eligible applicants, including state forestry agencies and nonprofit organizations, who can request grants of up to $5 million, with a required 20% non-federal match for project costs. This initiative is crucial for enhancing carbon sequestration and ecosystem health on rural, forested private lands, thereby contributing to climate adaptation efforts and supporting local economies. Interested parties should submit their applications by September 30, 2024, and can find additional information on the Forest Service website or contact the Forest Landowner Support Staff at SM.FS.LandownerlRA@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    SM.FS.LandownerlRA@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    NOFO4
    NOFO4_Applicant
    NOFO4_Applicant.pdf
    The document outlines the Forest Landowner Support initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), allocating $450 million for programs that benefit rural non-Federal lands and private forest landowners through U.S. Forest Service facilitation. Proposals, due by September 30, 2024, may request up to $5 million and must involve practices that enhance carbon sequestration and ecosystem health. Eligible applicants include state forestry agencies and non-profit organizations, while private forest landowners can receive payments without acreage limitations. Carbon stewardship practices must promote measurable carbon benefits while supporting ecosystem integrity. Possible project costs require a 20% non-federal match, with considerations for waivers in underserved communities. The document details application requirements, including a proposal narrative and budget, and emphasizes the importance of well-defined goals, implementation plans, and carbon benefit quantification. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to encourage the implementation of sustainable practices in forests, aligning with climate adaptation goals while supporting local economies and rural landowners. Technical resources and application support are available to facilitate the proposal process. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to enhancing forest management and carbon stewardship amid climate change challenges.
    NOFO4.pdf
    The USDA Forest Service has announced a funding opportunity aimed at compensating private forest landowners for implementing carbon stewardship practices, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible applicants include state forestry agencies and nonprofit organizations, who can request up to $5 million with a required non-federal match of 20% of the total project cost. The practices must be conducted on rural, forested private lands, including tribal land held in trust. At least 80% of awarded funds must be allocated for practice payments to landowners, while applicants can use up to 20% for administrative costs. Proposals must include estimates of carbon benefits, detailing the methodologies used. Applications are due by September 30, 2024, and interested parties can find more information on grants.gov. The initiative fosters partnerships to enhance project capacity and efficiency, encouraging measurable climate impact through increased carbon sequestration and storage practices.
    USDA-FS-2024-IRA-FLS-04_FAQ_080124.pdf
    The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on private forest management. State forestry agencies and nonprofits can apply for funding to encourage private landowners to adopt carbon stewardship practices. These practices aim to increase carbon sequestration and storage, promoting climate resilience. Applicants can request up to $5 million, with a required 20% match from non-federal sources. At least 80% of the federal funds should be used for practice payments to landowners. The focus is on practices like reforestation, avoiding carbon dioxide emissions, and improving forest health, with an emphasis on underserved landowners. The procurement seeks to fund projects that enhance ecosystem health while offering financial incentives to private landowners. Key dates include the late 2024 announcement of award decisions. Applicants must submit proposals through www.grants.gov, with a focus on project goals, justification, and detailed implementation plans. The review process will assess project viability, with an emphasis on carbon stewardship and the ability to achieve estimated carbon benefits. This one-time procurement, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, has a strong emphasis on sustainability, aiming to foster climate-resilient forests.
    USDA-FS-2024-IRA-FLS-04_FAQ_081924.pdf
    The Cooperative Forestry initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides funding opportunities to support carbon stewardship practices for private forest landowners. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) outlines key definitions, eligibility criteria, and application processes for practice payments aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration and storage while maintaining ecosystem health. Eligible applicants include state forestry agencies and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on underserved landowners such as veterans and those in high poverty areas. The program emphasizes practices that are measurable and resilient to climate change, encouraging innovation within diverse ecological contexts. Funding applications can request up to $5 million, with at least 80% allocated to direct payments for practice implementation on eligible private or tribal lands. The application and award process involve multiple review criteria centered on project relevance, feasibility, and partnership engagement. Regular reporting on financial and carbon benefit outcomes is required. Importantly, the initiative seeks to enhance forest landowner resilience while complementing other USDA programs, emphasizing collaboration and non-duplication of federal funding. This initiative underlines the government's commitment to sustainable forestry and climate change mitigation efforts.
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