Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

DEEP headquarters at 79 Elm Street in Hartford is currently closed due to recent water damage impacting multiple areas of the building. We are working to remediate the situation and get the building back open to staff and the public as soon as possible. While the building is closed, Staff continue to work either remotely or in alternate locations. We continue to be able to receive documents via U.S. Mail or courier service, and our electronic file submittal protocols remain unchanged. For updates, please click here

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. 

Check back for updated information in late January, 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 January 2026.