The USDA Forest Service is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Grant Program, specifically for Federally Recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Villages. This program aims to encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes that contribute to measurable ecological, social, and economic benefits. The grants are designed to support projects that address key issues such as reducing wildfire risks, improving fish and wildlife habitats, enhancing water quality, and mitigating invasive species, pests, and diseases. The program emphasizes collaboration across landownership boundaries to address large-scale forest restoration challenges.

Eligible applicants include Federally Recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations and Villages, and Tribal organizations that apply on behalf of a tribe with a letter of support. Projects must take place on non-industrial private forest land, which includes Tribal trust lands, Tribal fee lands, and rural state or local government forest lands. The program prioritizes projects that are aligned with science-based restoration strategies, such as Tribal Forest Plans or State Forest Action Plans, and those that demonstrate cross-boundary collaboration.

The program provides funding for a wide range of activities aimed at restoring forest ecosystems. These may include wildfire fuel management, invasive species control, wildlife habitat enhancement, reforestation, watershed restoration, agroforestry practices, and forest management planning. Activities that lead to measurable landscape outcomes, such as acres of land restored or improved, will be prioritized. Ineligible activities include construction, land acquisition, basic research, and lobbying.

The minimum funding request is $50,000, and the maximum is $300,000 for individual projects. Cross-boundary projects involving multiple Tribes may request up to $600,000. Applicants must match the federal funding at least 1:1 with non-federal sources, including cash or in-kind contributions. The program encourages leveraging additional resources from federal and non-federal entities to maximize the impact of LSR funding.

Proposals are due by December 16, 2024, and must be submitted via email to SM.FS.LSR@usda.gov. An optional pre-review of proposals is available if submitted by October 30, 2024. The USDA Forest Service will conduct a competitive review process, and priority will be given to projects that demonstrate collaboration, measurable outcomes, and alignment with landscape restoration strategies. Applicants are encouraged to work with their regional Forest Service contacts throughout the application process.

To apply, applicants can use the fillable PDF available on the USDA Forest Service website. The proposal must include a detailed project narrative, budget, and measurable outcomes. Eligible projects must be completed within three years of the award. Grantees are required to report both financial and performance progress, with accomplishment reporting due annually. Active registration with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is required throughout the life of the award.