The Hazard Fuels Reduction (HFR) Grants are funded by the USDA Forest Service, specifically through the State and Private Forestry branch, to support fire risk mitigation efforts. The objective of these grants is to reduce fire hazards on non-federal, non-industrial forest lands by modifying fire behavior. This can be achieved by treating or reducing hazardous fuels, such as dead trees, dry vegetation, and other combustible materials. To qualify, the project area must be within 1.5 miles of a federal project with similar fire mitigation goals. This is a key feature of the program that differentiates it from other fire mitigation grants like the Western States Fire Managers (WSFM) program.
The grants are designed to support a wide range of fire mitigation strategies, provided they are located within proximity to federal projects. One significant feature of the program is that there is no match funding requirement, although leveraging additional funding is encouraged. Additionally, any educational components related to the project must be tailored to the specific project area and cannot be general in nature.
For a project to be eligible for HFR funding, it must be explicitly mentioned in a County Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), Hazard Mitigation Plan, or another equivalent document. It is also required that applicants coordinate with the county entity responsible for maintaining the CWPP to ensure alignment with local fire mitigation strategies.
Eligible applicants for this funding include state, county, and local agencies, non-profit organizations (501c3), tribes, and educational institutions. However, individual private landowners are not allowed to apply for funding directly with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL).
The HFR grant cycle begins annually in the fall or winter, with the deadline falling in the late winter or early spring. Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the Forestry Grant Program News to receive updates about the grant cycle and specific deadlines. Project proposals are submitted directly to the IDL via email, and applicants must follow the proposal guidelines provided, which include submitting an acknowledgment form, a project budget, and a project proposal form. There is also a grants webinar available for those looking to better understand the application process.
The Idaho Department of Lands provides guidance to potential applicants and can assist with project planning. If applicants have any questions or need assistance, they are encouraged to contact the Grants Project Coordinator, Isabella Pritchard, through the provided email and phone number.
