Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund
The Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund supports science-driven restoration of forests and rivers to improve habitats for native birds and freshwater fish in the Northeastern US.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026 (Request for Proposals deadline)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $75,000–$300,000 per project; total annual funding ~$1–2 million; 1-year project period
Summary: Supports restoration and management of forests and rivers to enhance habitat for native birds and freshwater fish in the Northeastern U.S.
Key Information: All dates are projected; check the program page for updates.
Description
The Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund provides competitive grants to projects that restore and sustain healthy forests and rivers across the Northeastern United States, with a focus on improving habitat for priority native bird and freshwater fish species. Since its inception in 2015, the fund has supported efforts to restore early successional and mature forest habitats, improve aquatic connectivity by modifying or replacing barriers to fish movement, restore riparian and instream habitats, and engage volunteers in hands-on conservation. The program specifically targets contiguous forest blocks and watersheds in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and key watersheds in New York.
Funded projects have collectively opened nearly 2,000 miles of streams for species such as brook trout and river herring, improved management of thousands of acres of forest for species like golden-winged warbler and New England cottontail, and leveraged significant matching contributions for maximum conservation impact.
