The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry, is requesting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP).

CFP is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to

credit:

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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.

To apply, interested local government and nonprofit applicants must submit applications to the State Forester where the property is located.

Tribal applicants must submit applications to equivalent Tribal government officials.

All applications must be received by State Foresters or Tribal governments by January 12th, 202 4. State Foresters or Tribal government officials must forward applications to the appropriate Forest Service Regional office or International Institute of Tropical Forestry by February 9th, 202 4. Projects must conform to laws and authorities in Section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act ([16 U.S.C.

2103d] Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program) as amended.