Idaho’s forests are experiencing significant challenges to ecosystem health: Tree mortality is on the rise due to insects, disease, and invasive pests. Wildfires continue to increase in size and intensity.

In fact, the National Association of State Foresters newly released 2020 biennial survey identifies these as among the top 5 significant issues state forestry agencies expect to contend with in coming years.

As a tool to proactively address these issues, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) releases a yearly Request for Proposals directed to potential cooperators seeking funding for projects intended to reduce fire risk and address ecosystem health through restoration activities.

The grants are through the Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR), Western States Fire Managers (WSFM), and Hazard Fuels Reduction (HFR) grant programs, funded by the USDA Forest Service.

Currently, the IDL is seeking proposals for funding in Federal Fiscal Year 2023 with a deadline for proposal submission of February 4, 2022. Projects must take place on non-federal lands in Priority Landscape Areas or areas identified as being at high risk for wildfire as outlined in Idaho’s Forest Action Plan.

“This is one way the Idaho Department of Lands is assisting with Leading Idaho to healthier forests across ownership boundaries,” said Director Dustin Miller. “Cross-boundary projects are prioritized in our grants program as we continue to increase forest management with other agencies.”

Although individual private landowners are not eligible to apply, private lands can benefit from this funding through cooperation with their local program eligible organizations such as county emergency management offices, soil water conservation districts, city jurisdictions, and more.

For additional details about the grant programs administered by the Idaho Department of Lands visit our webpage. Completed project proposal packets are due via email to the Idaho Department of Lands no later than February 4, 2022 at 5 p.m.PST. Submit to civey@idl.idaho.gov.