The Fiscal Year 2025 Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, is a competitive grant designed to help local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and qualified nonprofit organizations acquire private forest land that is threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. The goal of the program is to conserve forest land to provide public access and community benefits such as economic, environmental, educational, and recreational opportunities. Public access to these lands is a key requirement for all projects funded under this program.

Eligible applicants include local governmental entities, federally recognized Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native Corporations), and qualified nonprofit organizations, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The land in question must be private forest land that meets specific criteria: it must be at least five acres in size, at least 75% forested, and capable of supporting natural vegetation. Additionally, the land must be threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and offered for sale by a willing seller. Importantly, lands held in trust by the United States for Indian Tribes or Tribal allotment lands are ineligible for this program.

The grant will cover eligible costs such as the purchase price of the property, appraisals, legal and closing costs, and development of the Community Forest Plan. However, funds may not be used for long-term operations, maintenance, construction of buildings, or other non-eligible expenses. Successful applicants will need to match at least 50% of the total project cost through non-federal sources, which can include cash, in-kind services, or land donations that meet specific criteria.

Applications for FY 2025 must be submitted by January 13, 2025, to the appropriate State Forester or Tribal official where the property is located. These officials must then forward the applications to the relevant USDA Forest Service Regional Office by February 10, 2025. Applicants are required to confirm their submission by email, and additional resources, including webinars, are available to assist in the application process. Applications should include a project narrative of up to eight pages, detailed maps, and verification of the applicant's eligibility.

The maximum federal grant award is $600,000 per project, and applications will be evaluated based on the extent of community benefits provided, especially to disadvantaged communities, and the level of community engagement in the project. Priority will be given to projects that provide multiple community benefits, contribute to broader conservation initiatives, and have significant local support. Projects are expected to demonstrate strong community involvement and a clear plan for long-term management of the acquired forest lands.

Once awarded, projects have a two-year grant period to complete the acquisition. Regular reporting on both financial and project performance will be required throughout the grant period. Additionally, acquired lands must be maintained as community forests in perpetuity, with the CFP recipient responsible for managing the land in a way that continues to provide public benefits.

For more information or assistance with applications, applicants are encouraged to contact their regional CFP managers or participate in the informational webinars offered by the Forest Service. Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is also required for all applicants.