Forest Health Research Program
This CAL FIRE grant funds research to advance forest resilience, wildfire management, and ecosystem health in California’s forests through scientific study and tool development.
Funder: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Due Dates: November 14, 2024 (Concept proposal, FY 2024-25) | March 14, 2025 (Full invited proposal, FY 2024-25) | July 30, 2026 (Brief concept proposal, FY 2026-27)
Funding Amounts: $7.5 million available in FY 2026-27; typical awards: up to $750,000 (general, demonstration, synthesis, special topics), $100,000 (graduate student); project duration: 2–4 years.
Summary: Supports research to advance forest resilience, wildfire management, and ecosystem health across California.
Key Information: Concept proposal required; full proposal by invitation only.
Description
The Forest Health Research Program, managed by CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program and funded through California Climate Investments, supports scientific research projects that enhance understanding and management of California’s forests. The program aims to increase forest resilience, reduce wildfire impacts, and promote ecosystem health. Research topics include disturbance and recovery, fire regimes, management strategies, forest product utilization, environmental justice, and improved wildfire prediction, with each solicitation highlighting specific priority themes and special topics.
Funded projects may involve state forests, other California forestlands, scientific synthesis, tool development, graduate research, and large collaborative efforts. The program advances the goals of the California Forest and Wildfire Resilience Action Plan and the California Climate Investments initiative.
