Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
This grant offers up to $1,000,000 for tribes, local governments, and nonprofits to acquire and conserve threatened forest land in Michigan and Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin, supporting community and habitat benefits.
Funder: Forest Service
Due Dates: December 8, 2026: Full application deadline (submit all application materials through Grants.gov by 11:59PM Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per award; approximately $3,500,000 total program funding; typical award period is 2 years.
Summary: Supports the acquisition and permanent protection of private forest land in the Lake Superior Basin of Michigan and Wisconsin to conserve habitat, enhance connectivity, and provide community benefits.
Key Information: 50% non-federal cost share required; public access is mandatory for all projects.
Description
This grant opportunity, administered by the USDA Forest Service under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), funds the acquisition and conservation of private forest lands within the Terrestrial Habitat Connectivity Pilot Area in Michigan and Wisconsin. The program's primary goals are to prevent the conversion of forests to non-forest uses, permanently protect critical habitats, enhance habitat connectivity, and deliver economic, environmental, educational, and recreational benefits to local communities. Public access to the acquired lands is a core requirement, and projects must demonstrate meaningful community engagement and strategic contributions to landscape-scale conservation efforts.
