Dear Colleagues,
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced the availability of over $80 million for Forest Health and Fire Prevention projects. CAL FIRE is soliciting applications for projects that work to proactively prevent catastrophic wildfires and restore forests to healthy, functioning ecosystems while also sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Urban and Community Forestry
Through the California Climate Investments (CCI) Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program, CAL FIRE works to optimize the benefits of trees and related vegetation through multiple-objective projects. These projects result in a net greenhouse gas benefit, and provide environmental services and cost-effective solutions to the needs of urban communities and local agencies. Co-benefits of the projects include increased water supply, clean air and water, reduced energy use, flood and storm water management, recreation, urban revitalization, improved public health, and producing useful products such as bio-fuel, clean energy, and high-quality wood.
Concept Proposals are due at 3:00 PM on November 27, 2019. Submit concept proposals here: https://www.fire.ca.gov/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grant-programs/urban-and-community-forestry-grant-form/
Invited concept proposals will submit phase 2 applications by a specified deadline.
https://www.fire.ca.gov/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grant-programs/
Fire Prevention
Through the California Climate Investments (CCI) Fire Prevention Grant Program, CAL FIRE provides funding for local projects and activities that address the risk of wildfire and reduce wildfire potential to forested and forest adjacent communities. Funded activities include: hazardous fuel reduction, fire planning, and fire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Application Deadline is 3:00 PM on December 4, 2019.
https://fire.ca.gov/grants/fire-prevention-grants/
Forest Health
Through the California Climate Investments (CCI) Forest Health Grant Program, CAL FIRE funds projects that increase the carbon stored in living trees and protect forests, fish and wildlife habitats, native plant species and water. This requires preventing epidemic tree mortality, protecting water quality in upper watersheds, and creating forests consisting of optimally spaced trees that are resilient to disturbances such as wildfire and tree mortality. Forests with these attributes will be able to store carbon for long time periods with a lower risk of loss to wildfire or insects and disease. Project activities funded by CAL FIRE's Forest Health Grant Program may include: Forest fuels reduction; Prescribed fire; Pest management; Reforestation; Biomass utilization; Conservation easements and/or land acquisition through the Forest Legacy Program. Through this program, CAL FIRE also provides funding to identify outstanding questions, prioritize needs, and fund sound scientific studies that support forest landowners, resource agencies, and fire management organizations in California, and to further the goals of the California Forest Carbon Plan, CCI, and AB 32 Global Warming Solutions Act. The Research Program operates in conjunction with the Forest Health Program, but draws from a separate source of funds. The program funds “stand-alone research” projects, where research-related activities are the only activities proposed.
Application Deadline is 3:00 PM on December 6, 2019.
https://www.fire.ca.gov/grants/forest-health-grants/forest-health-grant-application/
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)