County Forest Sustainable Grant
County Forest Sustainable Grant supports Wisconsin counties with enrolled forest land, funding short-term forestry projects and storm response to improve sustainable management of county forests.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (Second round) | June 30, 2027 (First-come, first-served) | August 15, 2027 (First round)
Funding Amounts: Applications of at least $1,000, capped at 25% of available annual funds per application
Summary: Supports short-term or unanticipated work that improves sustainable forestry on Wisconsin county forests.
Key Information: Only counties with land enrolled under the County Forest Law may apply.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers this grant for special, short-term or unanticipated projects on enrolled county forest lands. The work must promote sustainable forestry and fit the county’s comprehensive forest land use plan. Eligible examples include salvage or reforestation after storms, insects, disease or fire; initial GIS development; biotic inventories; forest certification; and accelerated work to reduce backlogs of overdue forestry practices.
DNR gives first preference to storm-related projects and temporary staff addressing short-term workloads. Other eligible projects receive second preference. The grant is intended for focused work rather than ongoing activities routinely included in an annual work plan.
