Small Forestland Grant Program

The Small Forestland Grant Program is administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) as a strategic initiative to improve wildfire preparedness and forest resiliency throughout Oregon. Funded under House Bill 5020 and guided by statutory authority from ORS 477.748 and Section 19 of SB83 (2025), this program continues work outlined in prior legislation including SB762. The program targets nonindustrial private forestlands across Oregon, aiming to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires through fuel reduction, prescribed fire, and other landscape-level treatments. Funding is available to support projects during the 2025–2027 biennium. Eligible applicants include local watershed councils, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, land trusts, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, ODF itself, Fire Protection Associations, and other local or state agencies. Applications must be submitted by a qualified project sponsor who manages project reporting and cost reimbursements. Sponsors are responsible for compliance with all project, mapping, and invoicing requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least 25% leverage from in-kind or comparable activities, which must be mapped or narrated and fall within the project’s timeline. The program prioritizes projects that treat hazardous fuels, protect critical infrastructure, serve multiple adjacent landowners, and address vulnerable populations or ecological issues such as insect infestation or drought-related mortality. Applicants may request between $10,000 and $300,000 per proposal. At least 75% of project funds must directly support treatment activities on eligible small forestland owner properties, while administrative and indirect costs are capped at 25%. Equipment costs over $5,000 are eligible with pre-approval, though fire suppression equipment is excluded. Fundable activities include thinning, mastication, chipping, prescribed fire, invasive species removal, and reforestation using climate-adapted species. Projects that utilize non-traditional forest products such as biochar, firewood, or small-diameter wood are also encouraged. Activities must not generate net revenue and cannot include pre-award costs or activities mandated by law. Work must be completed by May 30, 2027, with all final documentation submitted by June 20, 2027. Failure to meet project goals may result in suspension of future eligibility. Applications will be scored based on alignment with program priorities using a 63-point rubric. The submission deadline is November 24, 2025, by 5 PM PST via the program’s online platform. Scoring begins December 1, 2025, and award decisions will be shared the week of December 15, 2025. Grant agreements will be executed beginning in January 2026. ODF reserves the right to award less than the requested amount or reject applications in full. Applicants may consult a recording of the application walkthrough held October 17, 2025, and attend a webinar on November 17, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. for application tips and Q&A. Questions can also be submitted via scheduled appointments on the program website. The main point of contact for this grant is Jenna Trentadue, State Initiatives Grant Coordinator, reachable at jenna.a.trentadue@odf.oregon.gov or 971-428-7772. Applicants should note that grant funds are taxable and subject to public records disclosure unless exemptions apply.

Strongly align proposal with wildfire risk map, treat multiple adjacent parcels, include critical infrastructure, and document forest management plans and community impact for scoring advantages