Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2025 Southern and IITF
ID: 355500Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Forest Service (USDA-FS)

Award Range

$30K - $600K

Eligible Applicants

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The USDA Forest Service is inviting proposals for the Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at fostering collaborative, science-based restoration projects across priority forest landscapes in the Southern Region, including thirteen states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with national objectives such as reducing wildfire risk, enhancing wildlife habitats, and improving water quality, while securing sponsorship from a State Forester and meeting a 1:1 non-federal matching requirement. This initiative is crucial for addressing pressing environmental issues and promoting ecosystem health through innovative and sustainable practices. Interested parties should submit their proposals by December 13, 2024, with funding amounts ranging from $30,000 to $600,000, and can direct inquiries to Paul Gellerstedt at SM.FS.LSR_South@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Southern Region and International Institute of Tropical Forestry has established a Landscape Scale Restoration Program Grant for Fiscal Year 2025, focusing on collaborative, science-based restoration efforts. All project proposals must meet specific screening criteria, including exclusion of research and development, meeting a 1:1 non-federal match, and not incorporating capital improvements or small business developments. Projects are prioritized based on criteria such as multistate involvement and alignment with state Forest Action Plans. Evaluation criteria assess the project’s overview, context, objectives, proposed activities, deliverables, collaboration, integration with the Forest Action Plan, innovation, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and equity impacts. Successful projects must show clear linkages to landscape objectives such as wildfire risk reduction and improved habitats, provide specific and realistic outcomes, and include strong collaboration among partners. Additionally, projects that engage disadvantaged communities and demonstrate cost-effective, replicable results may receive bonus points. This structured approach ensures a rigorous evaluation of proposals aimed at enhancing forest ecosystem health and resilience across various landscapes.
    The document provides detailed instructions for completing the LSR Budget Spreadsheet, which is essential for federal grant applications. It emphasizes the need to align the project title, applicant, and financial partner details across various forms, including the SF-424A. Key areas covered include justifying costs for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual obligations, indirect costs, and matching funds. Applicants must describe the purpose of expenses while adhering to established rates and governmental guidelines prohibiting construction expenses in certain RFPs. The budget spreadsheet is structured for organized reporting of both federal funds requested and non-federal matching contributions. Furthermore, it discusses the significance of program income generated during the grant period and encourages collaboration with other programs to leverage additional resources. Overall, this document serves as a fundamental guide for applicants to accurately fill out budgetary requirements in requests for federal assistance.
    Similar Opportunities
    2025 Forest Service Eastern Region Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy NOFO
    Active
    Forest Service
    The U.S. Forest Service is offering grants through the 2025 Eastern Region Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy to enhance resilience against wildfires across the Midwestern and Northeastern States. This initiative aims to support projects that restore landscapes and create fire-adapted communities, aligning with the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy's goals. Eligible applicants include state forestry agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, and tribes, with funding amounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000, requiring a 1:1 cost-sharing match. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by January 15, 2025, with preliminary drafts due to the relevant State Forester by December 16, 2024. For further information, interested parties can contact Ray Parrish at raymond.j.parrish@usda.gov or (414) 323-0859.
    BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF INVASIVE FOREST PESTS PROGRAM FY23
    Active
    Forest Service
    The U.S. Forest Service is forecasting a funding opportunity under the Biological Control of Invasive Forest Pests Program for fiscal year 2023, aimed at enhancing the use and effectiveness of biological control technologies against invasive forest pests. This program seeks proposals that align with the Forest Health Protection (FHP) mission, focusing on innovative strategies, assessment methods, and integrated pest management, with a requirement for potential cost-sharing of 50/50 for non-federal entities. Successful projects will contribute to the management of invasive pests and promote sustainable forest health, with an expected ten awards anticipated. Interested applicants should contact Vanessa Lopez, the National Program Manager, at vanessa.lopez@usda.gov or call 760-963-1198 for further details, and note that proposals must be submitted by October 14, 2022.
    Special Technology Development Program
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is forecasting a funding opportunity under the Special Technology Development Program (STDP), which aims to enhance forest health across rural, wildland, and urban areas through the development of innovative technologies. This program seeks proposals that align with the Forest Health Protection mission, specifically targeting issues related to forest insects, pathogens, diseases, and invasive plants, with a focus on creating tools for early detection and improved pest management practices. The STDP is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable forest management, with an expected 15 awards available for projects that meet the outlined criteria. Interested applicants can contact Vanessa Lopez, the National Program Manager, at vanessa.lopez@usda.gov or by phone at 760-963-1198, with proposals due by October 14, 2022, for the fiscal year 2023.
    Grassland Ecological Potential and Restoration Effectiveness Evaluation
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is seeking partnerships through an Outreach of Interest (OOI) to evaluate grassland ecological potential and restoration effectiveness across the National Grasslands and National Tallgrass Prairie. The initiative aims to enhance understanding of grassland ecosystems, address ecological stressors, and promote restoration efforts by leveraging existing ecological classification systems and monitoring methodologies. Grasslands are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services but are among the most endangered ecosystems globally, necessitating collaborative efforts to ensure their resilience and health. Interested organizations, including non-profits, educational institutions, and government entities, must submit their project ideas by February 7, 2025, to explore potential partnerships, with no funding guaranteed for future projects. For further inquiries, contact Robin Taylor-Davenport at opega@usda.gov.
    FY23 Evaluation Monitoring Program
    Active
    Forest Service
    The U.S. Forest Service is forecasting a federal grant opportunity titled the FY23 Evaluation Monitoring Program, aimed at enhancing forest health monitoring through cooperative agreements. This program focuses on evaluating undesirable changes in forest health conditions, particularly through projects that investigate the extent and causes of forest health problems, with an emphasis on climate-informed monitoring and community engagement. Eligible applicants include unrestricted entities, and while the funding amount is not specified, cost-sharing or matching is required for projects on non-federal lands. Interested parties should submit proposals by October 17, 2022, with further details available through Vanessa Lopez at vanessa.lopez@usda.gov or by visiting the USDA FS FHP Grants webpage.
    Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration (PAWR)
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is inviting proposals for the Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration (PAWR) program, aimed at fostering collaborative efforts to address aquatic and watershed restoration needs. This initiative seeks to empower local communities and partners to implement projects that enhance water quality, improve aquatic organism passage, and promote climate-resilient landscapes on USDA-managed lands. The program emphasizes the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals related to ecological integrity and community engagement, particularly focusing on historically underserved communities. Interested applicants, including for-profits, non-profits, educational institutions, and various government entities, must submit their proposals by February 7, 2025, through Grants.gov, and can reach out to Robin Taylor-Davenport at opega@usda.gov for further information.
    Community Wildfire Defense Grant 2024 (FY25) South
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is offering the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at assisting at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes in wildfire planning and mitigation efforts. This grant, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, prioritizes funding for areas identified as having high wildfire hazards, particularly low-income communities and those impacted by severe disasters. Eligible applicants include local governments, Tribes, non-profits, and state forestry agencies, with funding amounts reaching up to $10 million for project implementation, requiring a 25% cost match, while CWPP development requires a 10% match. Applications are open until February 28, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and register for applicant webinars on the CWDG website or contact the CWDG Program Manager at SM.FS.usfscwdg@usda.gov.
    Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
    Active
    Geological Survey
    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity through a Cooperative Agreement for a partner affiliated with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The primary objective of this grant is to conduct research assessing the effectiveness of land management treatments aimed at reducing hazardous fuels and promoting the recovery of vegetation and soils affected by wildfires and other disturbances in the southwestern United States. This initiative is crucial for mitigating ecosystem degradation and wildfire risks, thereby supporting the restoration of degraded environments. Interested applicants must be participating partners in the Colorado Plateau CESU Program, with funding ranging from $1 to $200,000, and applications are due by January 13, 2025. For further inquiries, potential applicants can contact Faith Graves at fgraves@usgs.gov.
    Revegetation with Native Plants
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is seeking partnerships for a federal grant opportunity titled "Revegetation with Native Plants," aimed at enhancing the collection, mapping, development, monitoring, and restoration of native plant materials, particularly in areas affected by wildfire, drought, and invasive species. This initiative encourages collaboration with various organizations, including for-profits, non-profits, educational institutions, and governmental bodies, to foster community engagement and education, particularly among underserved populations and youth. The program emphasizes the importance of native plants in ecological restoration and aims to establish sustainable practices for developing native plant materials, thereby benefiting both the environment and local communities. Interested parties must submit their responses by February 7, 2025, and can reach out to Robin Taylor-Davenport at opega@usda.gov for further information. Additional details can be found at the USDA Forest Service's Native Plant Materials webpage.
    Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
    Active
    Forest Service
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is inviting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP), a competitive grant initiative aimed at supporting Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified nonprofit organizations in acquiring private forest land to establish community forests. The program's primary objective is to protect forestland from conversion to non-forest uses while providing community benefits such as public recreation, environmental education, and economic development. Eligible applicants must submit their proposals by January 13, 2025, to their respective State Foresters or Tribal officials, with grant amounts reaching up to $600,000 and a required non-federal cost share of at least 50%. For further details, interested parties can contact Margaret Haines at SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov or visit the Community Forest Program website.