The Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Grant Program, administered by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and funded by the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry branch, is a competitive grant initiative that supports collaborative, science-based forest restoration across priority landscapes in Idaho. This program aims to address large-scale forest health challenges in alignment with state-level restoration strategies, particularly those outlined in the Idaho Forest Action Plan. The LSR program is part of a broader federal effort to enhance ecological resilience and mitigate wildfire risk, with a strong emphasis on cross-boundary cooperation among diverse land ownerships.
Eligible projects must demonstrate alignment with the Idaho Forest Action Plan and be located within designated Priority Landscape Areas (PLA) or Special Landscape Areas (SLA). Emphasis is placed on projects that integrate State and Private Forestry programs and involve partnerships across non-federal rural lands. These include nonindustrial private forests and state lands located outside of urbanized areas with populations over 50,000. A core requirement is that LSR funding may not be applied to federal lands, reinforcing the program’s focus on leveraging state and private engagement.
The scope of the grant encompasses initiatives that reduce wildfire risk, restore fish and wildlife habitats, improve water and air quality, control invasive species, and enhance soil productivity. Past successful projects, such as the Blackfoot River Restoration Project, have demonstrated how restoration in wildlife management areas can stabilize streambanks, improve native fish habitat, and deliver measurable ecological outcomes.
In Idaho, project proposals are solicited annually during the fall and winter, with proposals due in early spring. For the FY26 cycle, proposals must be submitted via email by March 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. A proposal planning webinar is scheduled for January 30, 2025, and participation is encouraged for guidance on proposal preparation. Selected proposals will be developed further in collaboration with IDL from March to September 2025 for submission to the Western regional competition in the fall.
Grants of up to $240,000 are awarded on a reimbursement basis, meaning applicants must cover costs upfront before receiving funds from IDL. No matching requirement is specified for the LSR program. Proposal packets must include completed application forms, acknowledgement signatures, budget documentation, and reference to applicable LSR manuals and guidance materials. Questions and submissions should be directed to Isabella Pritchard, the IDL Grant Project Coordinator, who provides assistance throughout the application process.
Final award notifications for LSR projects are expected in Fall 2026. Successful grantees will then formalize agreements with IDL and begin project implementation in Fall/Winter 2026.
Projects that align closely with the Idaho Forest Action Plan and demonstrate clear cross-boundary coordination across eligible lands tend to score more competitively.
