FY27 Forest Reserve RFR Grant

The FY27 Land Acquisition for Forest Reserves Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and qualified conservation organizations for the permanent protection of forest reserves. Part of the Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative, the program focuses on acquiring property interests through fee ownership or conservation restrictions to protect forested lands where timber harvesting is prohibited. The primary objectives include preserving unique older forest habitats, enhancing climate resilience through connected forest blocks, providing permanent public access for passive recreation, and maintaining sites for ecological research. All acquisitions must be permanently protected open space, and any conservation restrictions must comply with Sections 31-33 of Chapter 184 of the MA General Laws. Applications must be submitted via the EEA Grant Management System by February 18, 2027. Proposals are evaluated using a weighted scoring system based on landscape considerations (26 points), ecological contributions and condition (22 points), public passive recreational access (18 points), project readiness and suitability (18 points), and property size (16 points). Eligible grant funding covers the purchase of property interests, survey work, recording fees, title certification, and baseline documentation reports. Awardees must execute their contracts within 90 days of the public announcement and expend all approved project costs by June 30, 2028. Reimbursements are processed via electronic funds transfer following the submission of required documentation, including recorded deeds, title certifications, and proof of payment.