Funder: Forest Service
Due Dates: October 14, 2022 (anticipated annual deadline)
Funding Amounts: Award size varies; projects typically 1–3 years; 1:1 non-federal match required for non-federal lands.
Summary: Supports research projects investigating the causes, extent, and severity of forest health problems detected by the Forest Health Monitoring program.
Key Information: Proposals must address priority issues (e.g., fire, drought, pests) and demonstrate community or Tribal engagement for higher competitiveness.
Description
The Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) Evaluation Monitoring (EM) Program funds research projects that investigate undesirable changes in forest health across all land ownerships in the United States. The EM component is designed to evaluate the extent, severity, and causes of forest health problems, with a focus on early detection and actionable science. Projects should address priority issues such as shifts in fire regimes, extreme weather events, tree mortality, insect and pathogen outbreaks, and changes in vegetation patterns.
Due Dates
- Anticipated annual deadline: October 14 (last known due date: October 14, 2022)
- Proposals for new and continuing projects are typically due in mid-October each year.
- Check the Forest Health Protection Grants page for current deadlines.
Funding Amount
- Award size: Not specified; varies by project scope and available appropriations.
- Project duration: 1–3 years is typical.
- Cost sharing: Projects on non-federal lands require a 1:1 non-federal match (50% of total project costs). Match may be reduced or waived in special cases.
- Funding is provided as a cooperative agreement and is subject to annual appropriations.
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants: Unrestricted; open to universities, non-profits, state and local agencies, Tribal entities, and other organizations.
- Geographic scope: United States, all land ownerships.
- Special requirements: Projects on non-federal lands must provide non-federal matching funds unless waived.
Application Process
- Consultation: All proposals must be developed in close consultation with Forest Service Forest Health Protection (FHP) staff, who will serve as project sponsors.
- Submission: Proposals are submitted to the appropriate FHM Regional Manager. Each region may forward up to five new projects per year.
- Forms: Use the official EM Project Proposal Form (PDF) and follow the Proposal Instructions & Guidelines (PDF).
- Review: Regional managers rank proposals; a national review team selects projects for funding based on merit and available funds.
- Reporting: Funded projects must submit annual progress reports and a final report, including an executive summary for publication.
Additional Information
Priority Issues and Categories
Proposals must address at least one of the following:
- Advance climate-informed monitoring: Integration of climate science, remote sensing, and other datasets.
- Effects of cross-disturbance interactions: E.g., drought, pests, fire, and their impact on forest benefits.
- Short-term and early detection: Focus on the extent, severity, and causes of disturbances, deviations in vegetation dynamics, or tree mortality.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated on:
- Relevance to priority issues
- Significance and impact of the forest health issue
- Scientific merit and feasibility
- Budget and cost-effectiveness
- Community engagement, especially with Tribal Nations and disadvantaged communities (projects advancing environmental justice are prioritized)
Community Engagement
Proposals that demonstrate substantial involvement or positive impact for disadvantaged communities or Tribal Nations, or that advance environmental justice, will receive higher priority.
External Links
Contact Information
For more contacts, see the Forest Service contact page.