USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support

Background
The USDA Forest Service's Landscape Scale Restoration Program, as authorized under Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, advances the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative. The program aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. The program solicits proposals for two IRA provisions: Subtitle D, Sec. 23002 (a)(2) and Subtitle D, Sec. 23002 (a)(3), which provide funding to support the participation of underserved forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.

Grant Details
The program aims to support underserved and small-acreage landowners in participating in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. It anticipates offering a series of funding opportunities under IRA Forest Landowner Support, with up to $150 million available through this NOFO. The program emphasizes shared learning, collective action, replicability, and ability to scale. It will leverage existing opportunities and organizational structures to support practitioners, provide professional development, and support a platform for information-sharing.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include U.S. State Governments, U.S. Local Governments, Tribal Governments, Alaska Native Corporations/Villages, other Tribal Entities, Education Institutions, Non-Profit Entities, and For-Profit Entities. Additionally, nonprofit organizations with a mission focused on sustainable forestry and/or forest conservation are eligible to submit project proposals through Track C.

Period of Performance
Recipients are expected to implement and demonstrate measurable progress within twelve months of award. All activities and expenses must be completed within three years. Funding agreements may be extended by a year with adequate justification; agreements may not exceed a total project period of five years and all funding must be fully expended by September 30, 2031.

Grant Value
The USDA Forest Service anticipates up to $150 million may be awarded through this opportunity under Tracks A and B.

Place of Performance
Program activities must target nonindustrial private forest land which is rural and has existing tree cover or is suitable for growing trees. The program encourages applicants to use the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) to identify areas of geographic prioritization for outreach, technical assistance, and program implementation.