The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Eastern Region is requesting applications for the FY 2021 Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) competitive grant program. The LSR program encourages collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes and support for priorities identified in State Forest Action Plans while leveraging public and private resources.

Objectives for the Landscape Scale Restoration Program:
• Reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires;
• Improve fish and wildlife habitats, including for threatened and endangered species;
• Maintain or improve water quality and watershed function;
• Mitigate invasive species, insect infestation and disease;
• Improve important forest ecosystems;
• Measure ecological, economic benefits including air quality and soil quality and productivity.

Organizations interested submitting an application should discuss project ideas with their state forestry agency and familiarize themselves with the relevant State Forest Action Plan. State Forestry agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, units of local government and tribes are eligible to submit applications. State Forester sponsorship is required for all applications except those submitted by tribes.

Visit the LSR website to learn how to apply. Applications must be received in Grants.gov by 6 p.m. EST on Sept. 17 with additional draft deadlines outlined on the LSR website.

The Forest Service Eastern Region State and Private Forestry program collaborates with states, other federal agencies, tribes, landowners and other partners to protect, conserve and manage forests and community trees across the 20 Northeastern and Midwestern states and the District of Columbia through grants and technical assistance.