Oregon Department of Forestry Announces Historic Funding Increase for Equity in Urban and Community Forestry

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Forestry is looking to fund projects that improve urban and community forests in areas of Oregon that need them most.

ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Program received $26.6 million from the Inflation Reduction Act through the U.S. Forest Service.

Of this amount, $10 million will be provided to Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes, and $12.5 million will be available to all eligible Oregon entities. This opportunity promotes equal access to the benefits of trees and aims to involve more people in tree planting and overall management of urban forests.

“This is going to be a game changer for Oregon,” said Scott Altenhoff, ODF’s UCF program manager. “This is the largest and most significant urban and community forestry investment in Oregon history. »

ODF’s UCF program officially launched the call for proposals to all eligible entities on May 31. The application portal and resources related to this funding opportunity can be found on the UCF Subgrant Program webpage.

Proposals can be submitted from July 1 to September 30 at 11:59 p.m. Funding for the project will range from $10,000 to $750,000 and can be spent over the next four years. The ODF UCF program can provide support to organizations with project development, grant writing and performance reporting.

Altenhoff said he hopes these subgrant programs will support groups that have historically been less likely to apply for grants. “We are excited to empower communities that typically do not have access to federal resources. We want to meet communities and organizations where they are and support them in their good ideas and projects.

Hilary Olivos-Rood, ODF UCF Grant Program Administrator, suggests contacting ODF UCF Program staff if you are unsure whether your program or project proposal meets the eligibility criteria, if you would like assistance for developing a proposal or if you need help registering on SAM.gov. “The UCF program will support communities that receive awards in many ways, and UCF program staff are ready to provide assistance and guidance from start to finish.”

Olivos-Rood encourages all interested entities, grant networks and community organizations to share this unique funding opportunity. Committed communication and outreach will be essential to the success of this new program.