- Forests are the lungs of planet Earth.forest image by DOLPHIN from Fotolia.com
Reforestation is a laudable land management goal because it supports ecosystem function and integrity. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), "reforestation is the artificial establishment of forest on lands that had them previously (including regeneration post-harvest); afforestation is artificial establishment of forest on lands that were not historically forest." Interests as diverse as commercial timber companies, family farmers and inner city communities seek to conduct reforestation projects. - Farmlands harbor many opportunities for reforestation.sheep image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for administering many conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Some NRCS programs include goals to restore forest on agricultural or private timber lands, including the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) the Resource Conservation and Development Program and the Small Watershed Program. While the precise criteria for these grants vary, their general goals are to support the best management of working landscapes to benefit critical, at-risk wildlife habitats. They may require some additional cash, in-kind or labor match from grant applicants. - The National Forest Foundation grants funds to nonprofits, universities and Native American tribes wishing to restore forest in or adjacent to the National Forests and National Grasslands. They provide federal funds that must be matched by nonfederal cash funds.
- State resource management agencies disburse federal habitat conservation funds through the State Wildlife Grant program. Traditionally, licenses purchased by hunters and fishermen have bankrolled the conservation of fish and game habitat. Such programs did not ensure the protection of nongame species. Consequently, Congress established the State Wildlife Grant program in 2000 to fund the protection of all wildlife and habitats. Criteria and priorities for funding vary from state to state--guided by each state's Wildlife Action Plan--but reforestation will qualify under many programs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service distributes funds to the state agencies, which accept applications for funding. Grants require matching funds from state or other nonfederal sources.
- Many foundations dedicated to environmental protection provide grants for every conceivable type of restoration. American Forests, a nonprofit whose vision is to "have healthy forest ecosystems for every community," operates several reforestation grant programs. Global ReLeaf Forest focuses on ecosystem restoration on public lands. The Global ReLeaf Fund provides small grants to homeowners and urban communities for streamside, open space and street tree plantings.
