Grant funding is available to local governments, state agencies, tribal organizations, non-profits, public universities and other entities for projects in disadvantaged or distressed Alaska communities. DNR’s Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Community Forestry Program will administer the grants on behalf of the USDA Forest Service.

A total of $600,000 is available in the following categories:

A.    Green Infrastructure Projects

B.    Streambank Stability/Restoration Projects

C.    Invasive Tree Control Projects

D.    Phytoremediation Projects

E.    Community Forestry Management Plans, Tree Inventories, Tree Canopy Assessments

“The funding aims to support tree planting, community forestry planning and projects in disadvantaged communities nationwide. The amount of grant funding for these types of projects is unprecedented,” said Community Forestry Program Coordinator Jim Renkert. “The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is excited about the opportunity to help Alaskan communities with green infrastructure, streambank restoration and invasive tree projects. There all also grant opportunities for community forestry plans and phytoremediation projects.”

Grants up to $100,000 are available through the Inflation Reduction Act and a funding match is not required. Requests for Interest in the Phytoremediation Projects as well as the Community Forestry Management Plans, Tree Inventories, Tree Canopy Assessments are due by March 31. Applications must be received by April 11 for Green Infrastructure Projects, Streambank Stability/Restoration Projects, and Invasive Tree Control Projects.

For more information about the Alaska Community Forestry Program grants, visit http://forestry.alaska.gov/community/grants, call 907-269-1005 or email communityforestry@alaska.gov