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The West Virginia landscape from atop the highest point in the state – Spruce Knob mountain. (USDA Forest Service photo by Preston Keres)
Landscape Scale Restoration projects reach across management jurisdictions and address large-scale issues like reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, protecting and restoring watersheds, and slowing the spread of invasive species. In fiscal year 2024, The Forest Service is investing in 44 projects nationwide to restore forests across state, tribal and private land.
2024 FUNDED PROJECTS
2024 STATE PROJECTS
CALIFORNIA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Forest Resiliency
This project, undertaken by 40 Acre Conservation League (40ACL) and in partnership with the Environmental Justice League, will facilitate ecological restoration, outdoor recreation and education, and economic participation in the outdoor economy. This project will treat hazardous fuels across 596 acres of 40ACL owned land, to protect communities and infrastructure, enhance water quality, enhance oak woodlands for wildlife habitat, and plant 280 acres to improve pollinator habitat, water quality, and biodiversity.
$300,000
COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Rota Landscape Scale Restoration
This project, located in Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, will combat issues of deer pressure on native plants, soil erosion from badlands entering the marine habitat, and wildland fire potential. To address these issues exclusion fences and/or tree guards will be added, streams and nearshore waters monitored and active patrol of fire prone areas. There will be revegetation of critically eroding areas and the planting of native tree species.
$200,000
CONNECTICUT
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Northeast Mid-Atlantic Partnership for Forests and Water
The Northeast-Mid-Atlantic Partnership for Forests and Water is an interagency, multi-partner collaboration that advances restoration of priority forest landscapes and protects water from West Virginia to Maine. This project will facilitate continued collaboration among the diverse array of partners in states across the northeast and mid-Atlantic, and will foster shared learning and support forested watershed restoration activities.
$585,824
FLORIDA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Apalachicola Region Collaborative Landscape Restoration
The aim is to re-evaluate approximately 5,000 privately-owned sites previously assessed as longleaf pine within 10 Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The goal is to provide current, spatial data to help prioritize longleaf restoration and conservation activities within the region. The key deliverables include Rapid Assessment data for about 5,000 sites (200,000 acres) and integration into the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Geodatabase, and prioritization of assessed sites for restoration and conservation.
$299,963
Re-Assessment of Longleaf Pine in 10 Counties Affected by Hurricane Michael
The project aims to address conservation needs in the Apalachicola Region by supporting collaborative, science-based restoration work. Key components include prescribed fire, longleaf pine restoration, and invasive species control. The proposed deliverables include approximately 18,000 acres of prescribed fire, restoration of 610 acres to longleaf pine, and treatment of 110 acres of cogongrass.
$77,398
GEORGIA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Costs and Trends of Southern Forestry Practices
The project aims to collect data on current costs and long-term trends in forest management practices. The goal is to provide diverse stakeholders with information that can help them implement effective forest management strategies. The project includes a biennial questionnaire to gather cost data from landowners and an online dashboard to present the results. Key deliverables include an improved questionnaire, an updated online dashboard, new educational resources, and a pilot project in Georgia to evaluate on-the-ground impacts of the program.
$58,287
Utilizing outreach & new technology to advance prescribed Fire/wildfire prevention
The project is an initiative to increase the application of prescribed fire in 11 west central Georgia counties. The project aims to combine community engagement with new technology, specifically Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)/drones, to conduct prescribed burns and aid in wildfire suppression. The deliverables include the establishment of a pilot project using UAS/drones to increase prescribed fire, development of outreach materials targeting new landowners, and training of additional staff for future expansion. The project also aims to burn 2000 acres per year, and develop a series of videos for social media, targeting new landowners and the responsible use of prescribed fire.
$295,000
HAWAII
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Invasive Albizia
This project will develop a detection algorithm for albizia monitoring for Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, providing information on the locations and spread of albizia across over 687,000 acres of state and private forest lands; implement albizia management actions; and transfer technology to partners that do on-the-ground management in the state. Albizia trees are known to pose a threat to public health and safety due to their sudden branch drop, weak structure, brittle wood, and shallow roots. Monitoring their spread can help with planning for removal in critical areas.
$277,361
Maui Watershed
This project will address post fire recovery/restoration in Maui. The Kula Community Watershed Alliance (KCWA) was formed by affected landowners in response to the Maui fires with a goal to prevent erosion and restore the forest surrounding the charred Pohakuokala-Pulehu gulch. Once the soil is stabilized, KCWA and its partners are committed to controlling invasive species, planting native vegetation, and engaging in forest stewardship to prevent another destructive wildfire.
$300,000
IDAHO
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
The project will install plants and exclusionary fencing on private land in Idaho. Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute staff and volunteers, and the landowners will lead this effort. Educational volunteer field days will aid local citizens in plant identification, ecological principles, and restoration techniques leading to additional habitat restoration. The goal of the project is to improve water quality and expand and connect terrestrial wildlife habitats.
$300,000
ILLINOIS
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Increasing Public and Private Action to Implement the Oak Ecosystem Recovery Plan in Underserved Communities
Through this project, the Morton Arboretum will work in partnership with five public and private landowners and managers to implement the Oak Ecosystem Recovery Plan to increase conservation of important oak ecosystems in five counties in northeastern Illinois. It will expand on-the-ground conservation and increase awareness and action to improve age diversity, connectivity, biodiversity, and overall health of oak ecosystem habitats. This project will take place in northeastern Illinois and also in communities with populations less than 50,000.
$410,000
INDIANA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Indiana Forests to Faucets: Native Landscapes for Clean Water
This project will improve the drinking water quality for thousands of Indiana residents by restoring watersheds identified in the State Forest Action Plan. It will control invasive plants and restore native vegetation on public/private land to enhance watershed function, restore important forest ecosystems and improve wildlife habitat. Through outreach and technical assistance it will provide private landowners with tools and expertise to implement restoration and other forest best management practices.
$213,336
KANSAS
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Streambank
This project will sustain and enhance riparian forest buffer (RFB) and streambank stabilization work, improving water quality and quantity for the two thirds of Kansas relying on surface water. Partners will work across boundaries to plan and implement practices on 30 large-order and 25 small-order streambank projects. Implementation of 28,500 feet of RFBs to stabilize large-order sites will avoid 1.1 million tons of sediment inflow into reservoirs over 10 years, a value of $5.2 million in avoided dredging costs. Completion of 1000 feet of small streambank stabilization projects will reduce sedimentation and nutrient inflow and restore healthy riparian forest land. This project will also establish a willow stake production area to supply material used for stabilization projects.
$300,000
LOUISIANA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Expanding Longleaf Restoration on State and Private Lands
The project supports a re-granting program that aims to accelerate longleaf pine restoration within focal areas in Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina, aligning with America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative. The key deliverables include the restoration of 100,000 acres of longleaf pine habitat, the management of 100,000 acres of hazardous fuels, the planting of longleaf pines across 2,500 acres, and the provision of technical assistance to 250 forest landowners.
$600,000
MASSACHUSETTS
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Expanding Climate-Smart and Bird-Friendly Forestry to Produce Wood for Local Rural Communities
This project will pilot incentives to establish a local wood supply chain in the Woodlands Partnership region, the State of Massachusettes most rural, forested, and low-income region and a priority landscape in their Forest Action Plan. An assessment of barriers to keeping wood local will guide incentives to establish local supply chains, encourage climate and habitat forestry, support a regional wood bank and expand education to consumers and communities about the benefits and these new local wood products.
$296,000
MICHIGAN
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Managing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Through Treatments and Improving Landscape Resiliency in West Michigan
This project will take place on private and public land in nine counties along Lake Michigan’s shoreline where Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a threat. It will treat ecologically important properties, educate the public on hemlock management options, and provide materials to landowners to encourage landscape-level stand regeneration. HWA is an invasive insect that is currently found in six counties in Michigan and poses an immediate threat to the landscape.
$400,000
MINNESOTA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Protecting Working Forestlands in the Driftless Area for Multiple Benefits: Trout Turkey Timber
This project implements science-based strategies in Minnesota's Forest Action Plan through the protection and management of private forestlands in the Driftless Area of Southeast Minnesota. It will help secure and strategically invest funding for forestland protection and management through the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, One Watershed One Plan program, and state Legacy funds. Landscape Scale Restoration funds will be the catalyst to directing state and local funds to expand technical assistance to private land.
$295,000
Collaborative Forest Restoration on Priority Minnesota and Wisconsin Landscapes
This project builds on achievements of a current (FY21) LSR Project, to implement science-based restoration actions on state, private, and Tribal forests in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These actions will reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires, improve wildlife habitat, mitigate invasive species, and improve important forest ecosystems. Actions will be taken in collaboration with multiple partners and focus on priority forested regions to address threats and strategies outlined in the Minnesota and Wisconsin State Forest Action Plans.
$512,095
MISSOURI
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Restoring Glades and Woodlands through Fuel Reductions to Minimize Catastrophic Wildfires
This project will use management strategies to reduce fuels and use prescribed burning to restore glade and woodland ecosystems. This will be done across fourteen counties in the Missouri Ozarks, which are encompassed in their Priority Forest Landscape on both public and private lands. This project will remove any barrier of cost to certain landowners for reducing fuels on their property.
$235,000
MONTANA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Blackfoot Watershed
The project will treat ~640 forested acres in Western Montana's Blackfoot River watershed on The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owned and managed former industrial timberland where current conditions make these forests vulnerable to large, high-severity wildfires. Through a partnership between Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) and TNC, MCC will utilize young adults in a Wildland Restoration Academy to learn about and manage this landscape. The result of this project work will be a more ecologically resilient landscape and a trained workforce that can enter land management agencies to continue their natural resource careers.
$300,000
Custer County Fire Restoration
This project aims to restore 3,500 acres of private land in Custer County, Montana with prescribed (Rx) fire. Over a century of fire exclusion has resulted in a 30% increase in tree cover in many areas of the county which increases wildfire risk, impacts wildlife habitat, and threatens economic livelihoods of ranchers. The goal is to restore fire adapted ecosystems through the targeted application of Rx fire, provide Rx fire training to local firefighters and land managers, and increase public support and acceptance of Rx fire.
$250,000
NEBRASKA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Reforestation
This project will plant 250,000 trees on state and private land, many near USFS Good Neighbor projects, targeting a total of 1250 acres in the priority forest landscapes of Pine Ridge, Niobara Valley, and Wildcat Hills of Nebraska. These unique priority forest landscapes containing 90% of Nebraska's pine forests and the States's native aspen and birch and comprise the easternmost extent of ponderosa pine in the US. Since 2006, 325,000 acres have burned in stand-replacing, uncharacteristic wildfires.
$300,000
Riparian Forest
This project aims to restore fire-impacted riparian forests through replanting native hardwood species, and enhance landowner involvement in long-term forest stewardship by developing forest management plans. Pine Ridge, Niobrara Valley, and Wildcat Hills, are a crucial priority forest landscapes housing Nebraska's native aspen, birch, and rich riparian forests. Deliverables include replanting 150 acres of riparian forest with 30,000 trees on state and private lands and engaging 10 landowners & develop management plans.
$95,000
NEW YORK
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Protecting threatened hemlocks for New York City drinking water quality in the Catskills
Bringing together the resources of four organizations, this project will use Integrated Pest Management best practices to protect threatened hemlocks along riparian corridors that span public and private land in a portion of the New York City watershed. Eastern hemlock is a dominant species in Catskill riparian forests and is important for maintaining water quality in the watershed. Hemlock woolly adelgid is widespread in the region and hemlock decline in riparian corridors is accelerating.
$100,000
NORTH CAROLINA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Dynamic Forest Restoration at DuPont State Recreational Forest
The project aims to diversify forest habitat conditions and promote forest resiliency through science-based restoration of priority landscapes. The deliverables include a completed forest inventory and a Dynamic Forest Restoration Block conservation plan, active forest management treatments, climate adaptation strategies, technical assistance to private landowners, and outreach events.
$282,361
Sustaining Hemlocks Phase II
The project is a multi-state initiative aimed at protecting hemlock trees in the Southern Appalachians from the hemlock woolly adelgid and other threats. The project involves collaboration between multiple state forestry agencies and the non-profit Hemlock Restoration Initiative, and it focuses on integrated pest management, public outreach, and stakeholder cooperation. The deliverables include the acres of treatment for invasive species, miles of riparian forest treated to improve water quality, and interaction with private landowners. The project also aims to protect hemlock acreage, engage numerous stakeholders, and protect riparian areas.
$285,000
OHIO
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Promoting Resilience, Managing Invasive Species, and Safeguarding Ecological Communities
This project will target oak-hickory forests in climate resilient landscapes where oak and hickory regeneration is suppressed by maples and non-native invasive species. It will treat invasive species and pests in riparian, oak-hickory, and hemlock forest communities. Effective stewardship practices developed and used on properties owned by The Nature Conservancy will be expanded onto new partner properties across southern Ohio.
$323,400
OREGON
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Oak Resiliency
This project will focus on oak restoration and native oak habitat conservation on private lands by helping landowners develop oak habitat management plans on 365-acres. These plans will guide landowners in oak management and qualify them for funding to support restoration activities. The Oregon Department of Forestry partners with Long Tom Watershed Council, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon State University Extension to support collaborative oak landscape management goals at the landowner level.
$71,992
PUERTO RICO
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Forest Stewardship Management and Habitat Restoration in Puerto Rico
The project aims to implement forest stewardship management and habitat restoration focusing on priority landscapes and issues such as reducing the risk of wildfires, improving wildlife habitats, and enhancing water quality. The project will involve activities like invasive species mitigation, ecosystem improvement, and measuring ecological and economic benefits. Deliverables include 30 new forest stewardship plans, restored habitats, enhanced forest ecosystems, improved water quality, and reduced wildfire risks.
$498,705
TENNESSEE
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Suppression Program in Tennessee and Kentucky
The project aims to suppress the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid through a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By implementing treatment strategies, the project seeks to protect hemlock trees, improve forest health, and preserve important ecosystems. Deliverables include reduced adelgid populations, healthier hemlock stands, and enhanced forest resilience in the targeted landscapes.
$570,000
TEXAS
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
A Control Strategy for Needle Blight in the Western Gulf Pine Forest
This project aims to develop and implement a control strategy for needle blight in the western Gulf pine forest. The key deliverables include identifying priority landscapes and issues related to needle blight, creating maps, proposing specific activities to mitigate the problem, and fostering collaboration among partners across boundaries to address this issue at scale.
$200,000
Enhancing Golden-Cheeked Warbler Habitat Through Wildfire Mitigation
This project aims to enhance golden-cheeked warbler habitat through wildfire mitigation activities in a priority landscape identified in the state's Forest Action Plan. The main goals are to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires and improve wildlife habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Deliverables include acres treated to reduce hazardous fuels and acres treated to improve wildlife habitat.
$200,000
UTAH
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Electric Lake
This project is a collaborative effort between private landowners, counties, state agencies, and the US Forest Service to reduce invasive weeds, increase forest restoration by seedling plantings, and increase wildlife habitats. The goal is to restore Engelmann spruce forest lands and range lands by planting 30,000 seedlings on 100 acres in understocked forest stands and controlling 1,500 acres of invasive weeds infested rangelands.
$277,361
Springdale
This project will remove invasive Russian olive and tamarisk trees in the Virgin River Watershed which threaten watershed health by out-competing native trees, channelizing water flows, and degrading wildlife habitats. The Virgin River Watershed provides critical wildlife habitats and is a vital source of water for residents. The project will treat 8.8 river miles and 4.8 river miles of tributaries. Removing invasive species from 121 acres will improve waterhshed health, water quality, reduce fire hazards, and prevent invasive seed distribution.
$300,000
VIRGINIA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Building a Forest Stewardship Workforce in Virginia’s Central Appalachians
The project aims to build a forest stewardship workforce in Virginia's Central Appalachians region. It will provide technical assistance and outreach to private landowners, treat acres for hazardous fuels reduction, invasive species control, and improve wildlife habitat. Deliverables include acres treated for various forest management activities, number of private landowners reached through technical assistance, and amount of forest products produced.
$290,153
Woodland Stewardship Network: Harvesting for Future Generations
The project proposes to establish Woodland Stewardship Networks in Virginia, which will connect private forest owners and provide them with science-based forest management plans to improve forest health across the region. The project will target 20 landowners with 2,000 acres of land initially, focusing on activities like riparian plantings and wildlife habitat improvements.
$192,208
WASHINGTON
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Spokane Post-fire
This project is key to giving private landowners the tools and resources they need to address post fire recovery in Washington where current state and county resources are unable to address the immense recovery needs of those impacted by recent fires. This highly collaborative project will integrate environmental justice and science-based forest restoration strategies on 450 acres, working with at least 20 impacted landowners and community partners as they plan ahead and rebuild from the fire.
$277,361
Trail (Sxwuytn)
This project will accelerate the implementation of fuels reduction on private lands in Pend Oreille County to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire and create healthy, resilient forests. The project will address the State's Forest Action Plan goals while funding treatment on 280 acres of private land and leveraging 32,000 acres of treatment on federal/tribal land.
$300,000
WEST VIRGINIA
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Using West Virginia State Forests as Examples of lmpactful Invasive Management
This project will deliver educational and management opportunities to forest stakeholders, including public agencies, private landowners, non-profit organizations, and professionals within the forest industry. The primary focus of this initiative is to enhance the public's knowledge of improved forest management, primarily focusing on invasive species control, by building on a newly implemented management partnership initiated on West Virginia's state-managed forests.
$425,870
2024 TRIBAL PROJECTS
Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians of California
Located in eastern Fresno County, California, this project will promote oak woodland restoration to reduce fire risk and increase acorn crops and other foods, important to both people and wildlife, through prescribed fire and cultural burning. Specific areas targeted for restoration activities include oak woodlands within Cold Springs Rancheria and adjacent Tribal Forest land held in fee. Through partnerships with other landowners, oak woodland restoration work will expand to additional parcels in the county. All work will proceed on or adjacent to the routes of traditional Tribal trails and travel corridors, where Indigenous land stewards have worked for thousands of years -- from time immemorial.
$299,308
Pueblo of Isleta - New Mexico
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Isleta East Mountains Youth Fuel Reduction Project
The Isleta East Mountains Youth Fuel Reduction Project, located in the Manzano Mountains, southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico will extend an existing fuel break to further protect Tribal land as well as neighboring forested land including the Cibola National Forest, the Chilili Land Grant, and New Mexico State Lands. The 150 acre project area consists of high-density ponderosa pine and mixed conifer stands at risk of uncharacteristic fire in a landscape important for wildlife diversity, forest products, and important cultural resources. By partnering with the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps to thin the 150 acres, the project will also support Tribal youth through meaningful conservation work, training, and career pathways.
$300,000
Cherokee Nation - Oklahoma
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Cherokee Nation Wildlands Management Project
This project will be carried out over five properties, owned by the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, that encompasses a variety of culturally significant plant species and wildlife. In collaboration with Cherokee Nation's Wildland Fire Program and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the project will protect and enhance the habitats within their Reservation through fuels management practices including fire break creation and controlled cultural burning. As a result, project activities will reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire, improve fish and wildlife habitats, and improve important forest ecosystems within the reservation while also making positive and lasting changes to the landscape.
$300,000
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Oregon
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Ecocultural Oak Forest Management with Fire
This project aims to reintroduce indigenous fire usage to 330 acres of Tribally managed oak woodland and oak savanna. Use of fire in these areas is expected to increase habitat complexity, stimulate growth of fire-adapted culturally significant species such as camas and white oak acorns. Fire is also expected to increase the opportunity to seed additional culturally significant species thereby increasing the availability of cultural resources for gathering and food security within the community. The Tribe aims to create additional opportunities for interested Tribal members to engage with Cultural fire through this project.
$298,495
Snoqualmie Indian Tribe - Washington
PROJECT NAME
DESCRIPTION
FUNDING
Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Landscape Restoration--Inter-agency fire management coordination with indigenous knowledge
Located on the west slopes of the Cascade Mountains in the upper Tolt and Snoqualmie River drainages, the project area is within the ancestral lands of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, including the 12,000-acre Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Forest. Large sections of forest in this landscape are owned by federal, state, and local governments. Project funds will support a new multi-agency Fire Management Coordinator, to bring together forest landowners to identify opportunities to collectively reduce the risk and severity of wildfires across the landscape.
$289,972
2023 FUNDED PROJECTS
2023 STATE PROJECTS
CALIFORNIA
PROJECT NAME
FUNDING
Elkhorn Slough: Restoring Native Forests in the Elkhorn Slough Watershed
$105,042
CONNECTICUT
PROJECT NAME
FUNDING
A Connecticut Landscape Restoration in Core Forest Areas for an Important Bat Hibernaculum
$194,180
The Connecticut Master Woodland Manager Program
$245,464
Northeast-Mid-Atlantic Partnership for Forests and Water, a multi-party collaboration to advance science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes and water protection in 13 states.
$600,000
GEORGIA
PROJECT NAME
FUNDING
Landowner Legacy Phase II: Supporting Education and Outreach to Next Generation Landowners
$200,000
Sustainable Wood Sourcing, Healthy Forests, the Well-being of the Rural South
$310,000
GUAM
PROJECT NAME
FUNDING
Guam Restoration of Watershed (GROW) Initiative: Ugum Restoration Phase II
$199,568
HAWAII
PROJECT NAME
FUNDING
Forest Restoration for Resilience with Acacia Koa: a Native Hawaiian Keystone Species
$300,000
Protecting Kauai's Core Watershed from Invasive Species
