Resilient Forestry Practices Grant Program

The Resilient Forestry Practices Grant Program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) through its Urban and Community Forestry Program. DEEP is responsible for conserving and enhancing Connecticut’s natural resources while promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being. This grant program is supported by federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service under the Inflation Reduction Act and is designed to strengthen the health and resilience of municipally and tribally owned forests across the state. The primary purpose of the program is to support rural municipalities and federally recognized tribes in implementing resilient forestry practices that improve forest health and long-term sustainability. These practices are intended to address growing threats such as invasive species, pests, disease, and climate-related disturbances. The program prioritizes projects that align with existing forest management or stewardship plans and that enhance species diversity, structural resilience, and ecological function while also serving as demonstration models for broader forest management practices across Connecticut. Funding is available for projects that directly implement eligible forestry practices, including contracted services, staff time, and necessary materials under specific cost limitations. Supplies must be under ten thousand dollars per unit, and equipment purchases are not allowed. Administrative costs are capped at ten percent of the total project budget. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover project costs and then submit documentation for reimbursement. Payments may be made periodically, but final reimbursement is contingent on project completion and verification by a DEEP Service Forester. Eligibility is limited to rural municipalities with populations under fifty thousand and federally recognized tribes within Connecticut. Applicants must have an active Forest Management or Stewardship Plan or work with a DEEP Service Forester to develop a Practice Plan prior to applying. Additional eligibility requirements include maintaining a valid SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier. Projects must be located entirely within Connecticut and demonstrate alignment with approved forestry practices identified by the Natural Resource Conservation Service Technical Committee. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal through the designated online system. Applicants must provide detailed documentation including a crosswalk of proposed practices to approved forestry codes, a project map, budget estimates, timelines, and proof of land ownership or access. Proposals must also identify necessary permits, certifications, and key personnel. Funded projects must include at least two public engagement meetings, one prior to implementation and one upon completion, although grant funds cannot be used to support these meetings. Applications are due by August 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with questions accepted until August 1, 2026 and responses posted by August 7, 2026. Award notifications are expected by October 15, 2026, and funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2028. Applications are evaluated by a panel of DEEP forestry experts using a scoring rubric that assesses project scope, resilience outcomes, feasibility, budget, and long-term impact. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact the program specialist via email.

Ensure strong alignment with an existing forest management plan and clearly demonstrate measurable resilience outcomes; provide detailed and realistic budgets and timelines; include clear documentation of forestry practices and their expected impact