MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – The USDA Forest Service Eastern Region is requesting applications for the 2022 Cohesive Fire Strategy grant program. These competitive grants support local wildfire management initiatives on non-federal land in the 20 Northeast and Midwest states. Over the past six years, the region has distributed nearly $18 million through these grants and anticipates awarding approximately $4 million in 2022.
Through this announcement, the Eastern Region will award funding in three categories: Wildfire Risk Reduction; Wildfire Preparedness; and Cross-Boundary Hazardous Fuels Reduction. Eligible applicants vary by grant, but include state forestry agencies, sovereign tribal nations, non-profit organizations, forest fire compacts and academic institutions. This year, the maximum funding that an organization can request per project is doubling to up to $300,000 for Wildfire Risk Reduction and $100,000 for Wildfire Preparedness grants.
“Through the Cohesive Fire Strategy competitive grant program, we are supporting our partners and their work of protecting homes and property, developing resilient, fire-adapted landscapes and improving wildfire preparedness benefiting local communities and forests,” said Steve Goldman, Forest Service Eastern Region Fire and Aviation Management Deputy Director. “These efforts show that the commitment to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires doesn’t end at jurisdictional or property boundaries.”
The final submission deadline into Grants.gov is Jan. 14, 2022. More information on eligibility and qualifying projects is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r9/workingtogether/grants/?cid=FSEPRD89882
The Forest Service Eastern Region State and Private Forestry program collaborates with states, other federal agencies, tribes, landowners and other partners to protect, conserve and manage forests and community trees across the 20 Northeastern and Midwestern states and the District of Columbia through grants and technical assistance.