The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is offering the Private Landowner Protection, Resilience, and Restoration Assistance (PRRA) Grant Program for FY26, funded by the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry Branch. This competitive grant aims to promote collaborative, science-based forest restoration on private lands in Idaho. The program supports projects that address priorities identified in the Idaho Forest Action Plan, with a focus on improving forest resilience, mitigating wildfire risk, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing ecological and economic benefits. The desired outcomes include reducing wildfire risk, improving wildlife habitats (including those for threatened species), maintaining water quality, and mitigating the impacts of invasive species, insect infestations, and disease.

Eligible projects must take place within an identified Priority Landscape Area (PLA) or Special Landscape Area (SLA) within Idaho, as defined by the Idaho Forest Action Plan. Additionally, projects aiming to receive a match waiver must ensure that at least 60% of the project area is in a “low-income” or underserved area. These areas are determined based on a specific definition of "low-income" status, which is used to assess eligibility for the match waiver. The PRRA program prioritizes the restoration of ecosystems and the reduction of wildfire risks, and is designed to have a broad impact on forest health and community resilience.

Eligible applicants include state, county, and local government agencies, non-profit organizations (501c3), tribes, and educational institutions. However, individual private landowners are not eligible to apply directly for funding under this program. Projects focused on wildfire mitigation must be explicitly listed in the local County Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) or Hazard Mitigation Plan to be considered for funding. Coordination with the county entity responsible for maintaining the CWPP is a requirement for eligibility.

The application period for the PRRA program begins on January 17, 2025, and ends on March 7, 2025. No additional funding cycles will be offered for this program during the year. Applicants are encouraged to submit their project proposals to the Idaho Department of Lands by the specified deadline via email. The submission packet should include the Acknowledgement Form, Project Proposal Form, and Budget Development Guidelines. The IDL also offers support to applicants during the planning phase to ensure successful proposals.

For detailed guidance on the grant application process, project proposals, and to download necessary forms, applicants can refer to the IDL’s Forestry Grant Program webpage. The program contact for the PRRA grant is Isabella Pritchard, the Grant Project Coordinator, who is available for consultations regarding project planning and proposal submissions. The IDL is committed to assisting applicants to align their projects with the funding requirements and provide technical support as needed.