Bark Beetle Mitigation Grant

The Bark Beetle Mitigation Grant is administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry with financial and programmatic support from the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region and State and Private Cooperative Forestry programs. The program is designed to proactively address forest health challenges caused by bark beetle infestations, which can weaken forest ecosystems, reduce timber productivity, and increase wildfire risk. By focusing on early intervention, the grant seeks to reduce the likelihood and severity of outbreaks before they become widespread. The purpose of the program is to assist forestland owners in implementing preventative treatments that enhance forest resilience. Eligible activities must focus on reducing stand density, mitigating drought stress, and improving overall forest health conditions that make forests less susceptible to bark beetle infestations. Priority is given to forest stands that are under imminent threat, including those that are overstocked, drought-stressed, or located near existing outbreaks. The program also encourages collaboration across multiple ownerships and integration with other funding sources to expand treatment impact. Funding is provided through a cost-share structure, allowing landowners to receive financial assistance for approved forest management practices. Applicants must request funding for specific treatments and adhere to approved project plans and specifications. While funding amounts are not explicitly stated, availability is limited and subject to program funding levels. Landowners are responsible for completing projects within two years and maintaining the implemented practices for a defined maintenance period, which may extend up to ten years depending on program requirements. Eligibility is limited to forestland owners within the state of Oregon who are capable of carrying out approved mitigation activities. Applicants must not begin any project work prior to receiving written approval, as doing so may result in denial of funding. Participants must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and agree to maintain project outcomes for the required duration. The program also includes provisions requiring repayment of funds if maintenance obligations are not met or if land ownership changes without proper transfer of responsibility. The application process is designed to be accessible and ongoing. Landowners may apply year round by preparing and submitting a brief statement of work outlining the proposed project. Applications are reviewed periodically rather than on a fixed deadline schedule. Completed applications must be submitted to a local Oregon Department of Forestry stewardship forester, who evaluates proposals based on bark beetle risk levels, project readiness, and available funding. Supporting materials such as maps and project details are required as part of the submission. Once an application is approved, the stewardship forester provides authorization for the project to proceed. Payment is issued after the project has been completed and verified according to program specifications. The verification process ensures that all treatments were carried out as proposed and meet required standards. Payments are typically processed within forty five days following certification of completion. The program operates on a rolling basis without fixed deadlines, reflecting its focus on timely response to emerging forest health risks. Because applications are reviewed periodically and funding is limited, early submission and strong alignment with program priorities can improve the likelihood of funding. The grant represents a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies to support sustainable forest management and reduce the long-term impacts of bark beetle infestations across Oregon.

Prioritize high risk forest stands such as drought stressed or overstocked areas; align project with bark beetle mitigation priorities; collaborate across ownerships or combine with other grants to improve competitiveness