Resilient Forestry Practices Grant
Municipally-owned woodlands play a vital role in supporting well-functioning natural systems and a high quality of life for Connecticut residents. They improve air and water quality, support a variety of plant and wildlife species, strengthen landscape health and resilience, and provide recreational and other community benefits. These forests, however, face growing threats to their health from pests, diseases, invasive species, extreme weather events, and other stressors. Many of these stressors and threats can be managed or mitigated through resilient forestry practices.
With support from the Inflation Reduction Act, CT DEEP’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program has $1 million available to help rural communities in Connecticut implement resilient forestry practices.
Because practices must be supported by an appropriate level of forest planning, a forest management or stewardship plan completed by a Connecticut-certified forester is required for funding. Potential applicants who do not currently have a forest management plan or whose plan does not include eligible resilient forestry practices may still apply for funding by working with a CT DEEP Service Forester to develop a Practice Plan prior to applying.
Maximum award: $150,000
Funding source: Inflation Reduction Act, USDA Forest Service, Forest Stewardship Program
Eligibility: Federally recognized tribes or rural municipalities with a population less than 50,000 are eligible. The LSR Project Planning Tool will be used to verify applicant eligibility, ensuring the consideration of only rural municipalities. Applicants must possess an eligible Forest Management or Stewardship Plan. Applicants without an eligible Forest Management or Stewardship Plan may still have the opportunity to apply for funding by working with a CT DEEP Service Forester to prepare a Practice Plan. Details on how to request a site visit and practice plan from DEEP Service Forestry will be shared in January 2026.
Eligible Project Types: Eligible practices are developed and updated annually by Connecticut’s Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Technical Committee. A list of eligible practices is available.
Application Process:
- Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) in January 2026 (date subject to change). The LOI will confirm that applicants either have an eligible forest management plan or can work with a Service Forester to obtain a Practice Plan prior to applying.
- Applications will be accepted after release of the Request for Proposals. Anticipated release of the Request for Proposals is June 2026.
Check back for updated information in late December or contact DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov to be notified when additional details become available.
For questions, contact: DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov
Content last updated November 2025.