United States: Community Forests Program
Deadline: 3-May-22
The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is currently seeking applications for its Community Forests Program (CFP) to give communities a way to preserve their working forest heritage.
The grant program balances the many benefits forests provide – from providing money from use of the land, to safeguarding against climate and other environmental changes, to providing opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural enrichment.
The Community Forests Program is a valuable tool for preserving working lands for the benefit of Washingtonians now and into the future.
Typical Projects
Buying land to conserve working forests (required for all projects)
On purchased land, projects also may restore forest and habitat health and develop recreational facilities
Funding Information
Funding comes from the sale of state bonds.
Grants limits: $3 million.
Eligible Projects
Acquisition: Buying forestland
Development: Developing recreation facilities, such as trails and trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic, and day-use areas, challenge courses, interpretive displays.
Restoration: Restoring forest health or habitats, planting or reforestation, removing or correcting fish barriers
Note: All projects must acquire land. Projects may include restoration or development of that land but restoration and development cannot be stand-alone projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Cities, counties, and towns
Native American tribes
Nonprofit nature conservancy organizations
Special purpose districts, public development authorities, or other political subdivisions of the state.
State agencies (in partnership with one or more of the above groups)
Ineligible Projects
Acquiring land by a condemnation action of any kind
Animal species introduction or propagation, other than biological controls for invasive species
Environmental cleanup of illegal activities (contaminated materials, derelict vessels, trash, methamphetamine labs, etc.)
Fish or other wildlife production facilities, such as fish hatcheries, to produce sport fish
Indoor facilities such as community centers, environmental education or learning centers, gymnasiums, swimming and therapy pools, and ice-skating rinks
Restoration is required to mitigate activities unrelated to community forests
Routine operation and maintenance costs
Purchase of maintenance equipment, tools, or supplies
For more information, visit https://rco.wa.gov/grant/community-forests-program/