The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, is announcing up to $10 million in funding for Forest Legacy Grants to conserve and protect environmentally important privately-owned forestland.

This funding supports California’s goals of conserving working forests to help protect natural landscapes threatened with conversion to other uses, promote sustainable and resilient forest practices, and encourage longterm stewardship in line with the goals of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.

Under this competitive grant program, Cal FIre purchases or accepts donations of conservation easements or fee titles of productive forest lands from willing sellers, to encourage long-term conservation throughout the state.

The solicitation for these grants is two-part: first, a pre-application must be submitted, which will be ranked and scored; second, successful pre-applicants will be invited to complete a full application that will be considered for funding.

The pre-application period is open from March 18 to April 16, 2024. Invitations to complete a full application will be made by May 7, with the full application period open until June 7. A field visit by Cal Fire staff to the potential project properties is required.

Additional application information including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can be found on the Forest Legacy Program website. All grant work must be completed by June 30, 2028.

Funding to conserve working forests is provided through the Budget Act 2023. Administered by Cal Fire’s Forest Legacy Program, this critical funding works to ensure that forests are safeguarded for future generations while also aiding the state in meeting critical climate and carbon goals.

Protection of California’s forests through these grants ensures they continue to provide such benefits as wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, watershed protection and open space, and supporting sustainable wood product economies.