The USDA Forest Service is offering a funding opportunity aimed at enhancing tribal participation in emerging private markets for climate mitigation and forest resilience, with a total of at least $20 million available from the Inflation Reduction Act. This initiative addresses barriers faced by landowners, such as high start-up costs and limited technical support. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and tribal organizations looking to develop projects that promote market involvement. Funds can be awarded up to $2 million with no matching requirement, specifically for activities including landowner outreach, forest management development, market access, technical assistance, and monitoring. However, the funding cannot be used for construction, equipment purchases, land acquisition, research, or direct payments to landowners. Applications are due by September 30, 2024, and interested parties can find more information on grants.gov (Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2024-IRA-FLS-02). The initiative aims to incentivize collaborative efforts among tribal entities, thereby fostering forest health and resilience in light of climate change challenges. For additional assistance, a Community Navigator can be contacted to support applicants in navigating the funding process.

The USDA Forest Service is offering a funding opportunity of at least $20 million aimed at federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native corporations or villages to enhance their participation in emerging private markets focused on climate mitigation and forest resilience. Eligible applicants include tribes, Alaska Native entities, and tribal organizations as defined by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The proposed projects must benefit nonindustrial private forest land that can be owned by tribes or tribal members, including both trust and fee lands. The funding seeks to address barriers such as high startup costs and lack of technical assistance, encouraging projects that help tribes engage in markets related to water quality, carbon credits, biodiversity, and wetland restoration. Interested parties can obtain additional information and technical support from Community Navigator organizations and can apply through grants.gov, with a submission deadline of September 30, 2024. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to empowering tribal participation in sustainable environmental markets.

The document outlines a funding opportunity titled "Tribal Access to Emerging Private Markets for Climate Mitigation or Forest Resilience," aimed at supporting eligible applicants—Federally Recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations and Villages, and Tribal Organizations—in accessing markets for environmental conservation and forest management. Proposals seeking up to $2 million are due by August 21, 2024. Emerging markets involve revenue generation from conservation efforts related to water quality, greenhouse gases, and more. Key eligible activities include the development of forest management plans, improved forest management practices, forest restoration, and training for foresters. The program emphasizes Native-led values and community collaboration, prioritizing projects on nonindustrial private forest lands. The National Indian Carbon Coalition and First Nations Development Institute are main contacts for applicants, offering technical assistance and resources to facilitate participation in this funding initiative. This funding opportunity is part of broader federal efforts to strengthen tribal environmental stewardship while addressing climate change impacts.

The U.S. Forest Service's initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) allocates $450 million for Forest Landowner Support, primarily benefiting rural non-Federal lands and Tribal lands. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Tribal Organizations, with proposals due by August 21, 2024. Each entity may submit one proposal for funding up to $2 million without a match requirement, aiming to engage in emerging private markets focused on climate mitigation and forest resilience. Key eligibility focuses on underserved landowners, such as beginning forest landowners and Veterans, while program activities must target nonindustrial private forest lands. Proposed activities should enhance ecosystem resilience and be site-specific. The Forest Service emphasizes integrating Indigenous Knowledge and aims to support sustainable practices that yield measurable benefits, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement. Applications must include standard forms, a project narrative detailing approaches and outcomes, and a comprehensive budget. Notably, basic research, construction, land acquisition, lobbying, and profit-making activities are ineligible for funding. Important timelines indicate award announcements in late 2024 or early 2025, with application assistance available through various channels.