Federally Recognized Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native Corporations), local governmental entities, or qualified nonprofit organizations that are qualified to acquire and manage land. Individuals are not eligible to receive funds through this program.
Eligible land for grants funded under this program is private forest land that provides defined community benefits under CFP and is:
• At least five acres in size;
• Suitable to sustain natural vegetation;
• At least 75 percent forested;
• Threatened by conversion to non-forest uses;
• Not held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Indian Tribe and not Tribal allotment lands;
• Offered for sale by a willing seller.
The USDA Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry is requesting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP), authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. CFP is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to establish community forests through the fee simple acquisition of private forest land.
The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forestland from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits including public recreation, environmental and economic benefits, and forest-based educational programs. Public access is required for all projects.
Eligible Uses of Funding
Allowable project costs include the purchase price for the property as well as transactional costs related to its acquisition. This includes:
1. Appraisals and appraisal reviews;
2. Land surveys;
3. Legal and closing costs;
4. Development of the Community Forest Plan;
5. Title examination
Note: Costs must conform to 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 200) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds
Project costs cannot include:
1. Long-term operations, maintenance, and management of the land;
2. Construction of buildings or recreational facilities;
3. Research;
4. Existing liens or taxes owed;
5. Costs associated with preparing this application (except for any of the allowable project costs specified above)