Utah Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Grant Program

The Utah Landscape Scale Restoration Pre-Application Guidance describes the process for entities seeking funding through the U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Grant Program. Landscape Scale Restoration, commonly referred to as LSR, is one of the State, Private, and Tribal Forestry competitive grant programs supported by the U.S. Forest Service. The Western Forestry Leadership Coalition administers the competitive grant process for western states, while the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands oversees the process within Utah. The program was originally developed to help state forestry agencies implement collaborative and science-based forest restoration projects across priority landscapes. The Utah pre-application process is designed to identify the strongest proposals that will later advance into the full western regional competition. The purpose of the grant program is to support high-impact projects that advance collaborative landscape restoration efforts on non-federal forested lands. Projects are expected to align with the Utah Forest Action Plan or another recognized restoration strategy. Eligible projects must contribute to at least one identified objective of the program. These objectives include reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire, improving fish and wildlife habitat including habitat for threatened and endangered species, maintaining or improving watershed functions and water quality, mitigating invasive species and forest health threats, improving important forest ecosystems, measuring ecological and economic benefits such as air and soil quality improvements, and carrying out other restoration-related actions determined appropriate by the Forest Service. The emphasis on collaborative implementation and measurable landscape outcomes is central to the program. Funding for the program originates through the USDA Forest Service, although Utah applicants work directly with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands during the state review and submission process. The guidance states that the maximum allowable request for non-state agencies is $240,000. Applicants are required to provide a matching contribution equal to the requested amount, resulting in a mandatory 1:1 match requirement. Match contributions may consist of in-kind support or direct financial contributions associated with the proposed project. The guidance does not specify a minimum award amount, total available funding allocation, or a guaranteed number of awards. Utah may submit up to five proposals into the western states competition each cycle. Funding is dependent upon congressional appropriations and final federal approval. Eligibility for participation was expanded in 2021. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, municipal or other units of local government, nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and public universities. The guidance repeatedly emphasizes that projects must achieve on-the-ground outcomes on non-federal forested lands. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate meaningful cross-boundary collaboration and identify project partners that contribute value to planning and implementation activities. The pre-proposal form specifically requests information regarding partnering agencies and organizations, project location, relationship to Utah's Forest Action Plan, proposed activities, and anticipated outcomes. Applicants are expected to explain how their project addresses identified landscape priorities or restoration strategies. The application process begins with a pre-proposal submission to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. Interested entities are required to complete the Utah FY2026 LSR Pre-proposal Form and submit it by email. The guidance states that completed pre-proposal forms were due on August 1, 2025. After submission, the Landscape Scale Restoration subcommittee of Utah's Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee ranks proposals and identifies the top submissions that may continue into the full proposal development process. The selected applicants then work with FFSL Forestry staff to strengthen and refine full applications before submission to the Western Forestry Leadership Coalition. The guidance encourages applicants to review prior proposals and program guidance materials available through both the Utah FFSL website and the Western Forestry Leadership Coalition website. The timeline included in the guidance outlines the anticipated annual progression of the program. The request for pre-proposals opened June 1, 2025, with rankings and notifications scheduled for August 15, 2025. Draft full proposals were expected by October 1, 2025, with final submissions anticipated in November 2025 for western states competition review. Western state review activities were expected to occur during November 2025, with anticipated funding announcements in January 2026. Funding distribution was projected for June 2026, contingent upon congressional appropriations, followed by partner agreement development beginning July 1, 2026. Questions and submissions were directed to Duncan Fuchise at the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands through the provided state email address and phone number. The guidance also notes that future funding cycles are expected to remain similar in structure, indicating the program operates on a recurring annual basis.

Align the proposal closely with Utah Forest Action Plan priorities and demonstrate measurable on-the-ground restoration outcomes. Emphasize cross-boundary collaboration, leveraged resources, and science-based implementation strategies. Clearly describe wildfire risk reduction, watershed improvement, habitat restoration, or invasive species mitigation outcomes.