COLLABORATIVE FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM
USDA & US FOREST SERVICE
Program Purpose
The purposes of the grants are: to promote healthy watersheds and reduce the threat of large, high intensity wildfires, insect infestation, and disease in the forests in New Mexico; to improve the functioning of forest ecosystems and enhance plant and wildlife biodiversity by reducing the unnaturally high number and density of small diameter trees on Federal, Tribal, State, County and Municipal forest lands; to improve communication and join problem solving among individuals and groups who are interested in restoring the diversity and productivity of forested watersheds in New Mexico; to improve the use of, or add value to, small diameter trees; to encourage sustainable communities and sustainable forests through collaborative partnerships, whose objectives are forest restoration; and to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate ecologically sound forest restoration techniques.
Deadline to Apply
Late January.
Eligibility Description
Local and tribal governments, educational institutions, landowners, conservation organizations, and other interested public and private entities. Grant proponents must include a diverse and balanced group of stakeholders as well as appropriate Federal, Tribal, State, County, and Municipal government representatives in the design and implementation of the project. The projects may be entirely on, or on any combination of, Federal, Tribal State, County, or Municipal forest lands. Processing facilities may be located on private land if they are associated with restoration activities on public land.
Special Conditions
The Federal share of an individual project cost shall not exceed 80 percent of the total cost. The 20 percent matching may be in the form of cash or in-kind contribution.
Funding Availability
Funding Potential for Award–Subject to appropriations, funding for the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program is around $4 million per year.
Range of Awards–Projects cannot exceed a total annual cost of $150,000, with the Federal portion not exceeding $120,000 annually, nor exceed a total cost of $450,000 for the project, with the Federal portion of the total cost not exceeding $360,000. Individual award amounts typically range from $120,000 to $360,000.
Funding Cycle – Duration–Projects may not exceed 4 years in length. Assistance will be provided by no more than monthly payments.
Source of Funds–Federally funded program, based on annual appropriations from Congress.
Application Process
Deadline–Applications are usually due in late January.
How to Apply–Applicants are required to submit form SF-424, SF-424(a), SF-424(b), AD 1047, AD 1049, and other information described in the Request for Proposals. Proposals should be sent to: CFRP Program, Cooperative and International Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Room 329, 333 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Application instructions can be found on the website listed below.
Selection Criteria & Decision Authority–The Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel evaluates the proposals and provides recommendations to the Forest Service on which ones best meet the purposes, objectives, and administrative requirements of the program. The panel also evaluates the effect of each proposal on long-term forest management. The Forest Service Southwestern Regional Forester selects proposals for final award.
Authorization
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, Title VI-Community Forest Restoration, Public Law 106-393, Section 605, Establishment of Program.
Related Programs
N/A