Grant funding available for county National Forest System resilience projects
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities are now accepting applications for their Innovative Finance for National Forests (IFNF) Grant Program. The IFNF Program, launched in 2019, provides grants for projects that support the resilience of the National Forest System (NFS). This latest round of funding will focus on the following areas: Watershed Health, Sustainable Recreation Access and Infrastructure and Wildfire Resiliency and Recovery. Pilot Projects, Scaling Projects and Research and Development Projects are eligible for these grant funds. The IFNF team previously held two informational webinars regarding the program and proposals. Applications for 2021 due by Wednesday, June 30 and awardees will be announced in September. For more information on this year’s IFNF Request for Proposals, click here.
The IFNF grant program provides funding outside of USFS appropriations to support agency priorities, deliver measurable outcomes to stakeholders, like local governments, and incorporate lessons learned in agency management and decision making. During the first round of funding in 2019, The IFNF awarded $1.8 million in competitive grants. This second round of funding has $2 million available in competitive grants. Local governments are eligible to apply and there is a 20% minimum non-federal match requirement.
Counties play a key a role in forest management, as 61.6 percent of counties have federal lands within their boundaries. In March 2020, NACo and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) signed a renewed memorandum of understanding outlining priorities and expectations of both counties and the USFS. NACo and USFS also published a guidebook titled County Governments and the USDA Forest Service: A Guidebook for Working Together. Counties support efforts aimed to improve the health of the national forests, protect communities from the threat of wildfire and its aftermath and increase economic opportunities and recreational access on National Forest System lands.
Resource
County Governments and the USDA Forest Service: A Guidebook for Working Together
Related News
U.S. Forest Service begins revision process for regulations on road and trail closure in National Forests
On August 21, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced it is moving forward with plans to revise the 2005 Travel Management Rule, which regulates how USFS plans which roads and trails are open to the public. Revising the Travel Management Rule is an important step that will increase public access to National Forests and help connect forest communities. As part of the rulemaking process, USFS is seeking public comment on its proposed revisions. Counties have until September 23 to submit comments on the agency’s initial action.
U.S. Department of Energy announces cancellation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
On August 12, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it would not continue the designation process for three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs). The cancellation means that DOE is not actively considering any NIETCs, which preempt state and county siting authority for energy infrastructure.
U.S. EPA releases guidance for compliance with lead pipe removal requirements
On August 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released additional guidance for water systems to comply with the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LRCI). The guidance comes as water systems face a November 1, 2027, deadline to complete a baseline inventory of water service line materials and begin replacing service lines. The guidance provides further directions on how to assess, identify and access service lines to comply with the rule.