Collaborative Forest Restoration

The purposes of the grants are: to promote healthy watersheds and reduce the threat of large, high intensity wildfires, insect infestation, and disease in the forests in New Mexico; to improve the functioning of forest ecosystems and enhance plant and wildlife biodiversity by reducing the unnaturally high number and density of small diameter trees on Federal, Tribal, State, County, and Municipal forest lands; to improve communication and joint problem solving among individuals and groups who are interested in restoring the diversity and productivity of forested watersheds in New Mexico; to improve the use of, or add value to, small diameter trees; to encourage sustainable communities and sustainable forests through collaborative partnerships, whose objectives are forest restoration; and to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate ecologically sound forest restoration techniques.

Local and tribal governments, educational institutions, landowners, conservation organizations, and other interested public and private entities. Grant proponents must include a diverse and balanced group of stakeholders as well as appropriate Federal, Tribal, State, County, and Municipal government representatives in the design and implementation of the project.

The Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel evaluates the proposals and provides recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on which ones best meet the purposes, objectives, and administrative requirements of the program. The Panel also evaluates the effect of each proposal on long-term forest management. The Secretary of Agriculture selects proposals for final award. The Secretary of Agriculture charters the Panel as a Federal Advisory Committee, appoints members, and approves proposals for final award.

Contact the Southwestern Regional Office or the appropriate Forest Supervisor's Office.