Simpler Grants.gov #USDA-FS-2026-LSR

USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration Grants for Non-Federal Forest Lands

The USDA Forest Service is offering competitive grants for collaborative restoration work on eligible rural, non-Federal forest lands. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Forest Service, State, Private, & Tribal Forestry. - Opportunity: Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Grant Program for Non-Federal Lands, solicitation USDA-FS-2026-LSR. This is a grant program, not a solicitation for a defined commercial purchase. Up to $11.34 million is available, with approximately 20–40 awards anticipated. - Project focus: Science-based restoration with measurable landscape outcomes, such as reducing wildfire risk; improving fish and wildlife habitat; protecting water quality and watershed function; and addressing invasive species, insects, disease, or broader forest health needs. Projects should support a State Forest Action Plan or equivalent strategy and encourage collaboration across ownership boundaries. - Award and match: Awards generally range from $100,000 to $300,000 for single-state projects and may reach $600,000 for multistate projects. A lower $50,000 minimum applies in specified island jurisdictions and freely associated states. A 1:1 non-Federal match is generally required, with exceptions for certain jurisdictions. - Eligibility and notable requirements: Projects must take place on eligible rural, non-Federal forest land. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes and other eligible Tribal organizations, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education. Most applicants need State Forester sponsorship; federally recognized Tribes are exempt. Equipment may be included in a proposal but requires prior Forest Service approval, and construction or building and land improvements are not allowed. - Period of performance: Work must be completed within three years. With Forest Service approval, the award may be extended by up to two years, for a maximum of five years. - Named OEMs and vendors: No OEMs or commercial product manufacturers are identified. The example budget names University X for laboratory sample identification, Cooperative Extension for landowner technical assistance, and Partner 1 for outreach communications and partner-provided field equipment. - Attachment budget example—not a required purchase list: The example shows $108,261 in federal funds and an equal $108,261 non-Federal match, for a $216,522 project total. It illustrates personnel, surveys, travel, field supplies, laboratory identification of 100 forest-disease samples, and assistance to private landowners. Proposed equipment and supplies are itemized below.

Description

The Forest Service is offering a competitive grant program for collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes on eligible rural, non-federal forest lands. Projects should produce measurable outcomes and may address wildfire risk, fish and wildlife habitat, water quality and watershed function, or invasive plants, insects, and disease. Awards range from $100,000 to $300,000 for single-state projects and up to $600,000 for multistate projects, with a required 1:1 non-federal match subject to stated exceptions. Applications are due January 26, 2027; most applicants must obtain sponsorship from the relevant State Forester.

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