Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, solicitation USDA-FS-2026-GLRI-CFP, is a grant opportunity issued by the USDA Forest Service to protect and enhance habitats within the Lake Superior Basin of Michigan and Wisconsin. Federally recognized Indian Tribes, local government entities, and qualified nonprofit organizations may apply for up to $1,000,000 to acquire private forest land of at least five acres that is threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. The program has a total estimated funding pool of $3.5 million and prioritizes projects that provide exceptional community benefits, demonstrate broad community engagement, and improve functional habitat connectivity within the Terrestrial Habitat Connectivity Pilot Area. At least 75 percent of the proposed land must be located within this pilot area. Applicants must provide a minimum 50 percent cost-share of the total project cost and maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Proposals are due by December 8, 2026, and are evaluated on a 40-point scale focusing on conversion threats, applicant capacity, and strategic contributions to the ecosystem. The initial grant period is two years, during which land acquisition must be completed. Awardees are required to ensure public access to the land and must provide a final Community Forest Plan and GIS shapefiles within 120 days of acquisition. All projects must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards.