USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support: Landowner Cost Share Payment Programs for Climate Mitigation and/or Forest Resilience Practices

Background
This funding opportunity is the third in an anticipated series of Forest Landowner Support programming funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions. The USDA Forest Service's mission is to support state-endorsed programs that issue cost share payments to landowners for climate mitigation and/or forest resilience practices. This initiative aims to enhance forest health and resilience in response to climate change, leveraging federal resources to empower local landowners.

Grant Details
The USDA Forest Service anticipates awarding up to $140 million through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Awards will support state-endorsed programs to issue cost share payments to landowners for climate mitigation and/or forest resilience practices. Each proposal operating within a single state may request up to $5 million, while proposals operating across multiple states may request up to $15 million. At least 80% of federal funds awarded should be reserved for cost share payments to landowners. Eligible practices must have a positive impact on climate mitigation and/or forest resilience, be designed for site-specific conditions, and be feasible for implementation and maintenance by landowners. Successful proposals will also build partnerships and address the needs of underserved landowners.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include state forestry agencies and select non-state entities endorsed by states. Non-federal, non-industrial forest landowners are eligible to receive cost share payments, including individuals, groups, associations, corporations, federally recognized Tribes, and units of local government. Applicants must have an active registration with SAM.gov and provide their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Engagement with underserved landowners is encouraged.

Period of Performance
The proposed period of performance for project activities can be up to five years. All activities are encouraged to be implemented by December 31, 2028.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunity is up to $140 million, with individual grant awards potentially reaching $5 million for single-state proposals and $15 million for multi-state proposals.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in rural areas as defined by U.S. Census criteria. It specifically targets non-industrial private forest lands, local government-owned forest lands, and lands held in trust for Native Hawaiians.