R9 BIL High-Priority Regional Invasive Species Projects (Non-Federal Lands)

The R9 BIL High-Priority Regional Invasive Species Projects for Non-Federal Lands is a grant initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Forest Service's Eastern Region. It is part of the larger Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which was signed into law in November 2021 to provide strategic investments in natural resource infrastructure, wildfire risk reduction, and ecosystem restoration across the United States. This specific grant opportunity focuses on invasive species management and aims to fund cooperative efforts that address forest health threats in the early stages of invasive species introduction and establishment. The funding initiative is rooted in Section 40804(b)(6) of the IIJA, which allocates $200 million for invasive species detection, prevention, and eradication efforts—split evenly between the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. The USDA Forest Service uses its portion to fund projects that complement existing cooperative and federal forest health protection programs. The funding structure directs approximately $7 million annually to three NASF (National Association of State Foresters) regions, with 75% of each region’s allocation designated for high-priority regional projects. This particular opportunity applies to the Eastern Region (Region 9), encompassing 20 states and the District of Columbia. Eligible applicants include state forestry departments or equivalent agencies in Region 9 that have forest health responsibilities. Universities, colleges, nonprofits, and local governments within these states may also apply, but must include a letter or email of support from the appropriate state forest health agency lead. All proposed projects must be based in Region 9, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Project proposals should align with key goals of invasive species management such as prevention, surveillance, eradication, suppression, monitoring, or restoration of damage caused by invasive forest pests. Projects must have clearly defined and measurable outcomes, with a high probability of successfully mitigating ecological or economic threats. Evaluation criteria also emphasize collaboration between multiple states or external partners at the regional or sub-regional level. If collaboration is not feasible, the proposal must provide a rationale. Applications are due by March 6, 2026, and must include the designated forms: application, budget, and (if applicable) a letter of support. Submissions must be sent via email to [email protected]. Following submission, proposals will be reviewed between March 9 and March 20, 2026, with selections finalized in late March. Full grant application packages are expected in late April 2026. The funding minimum for a single entity is $100,000, with a $50,000 minimum for each participating entity in multi-party collaborations. A 1:1 cost match is required, although waivers may be requested. Grants must be completed within five years and require quarterly reporting, with spatial data submissions required in the final report, if applicable. For technical assistance or questions, applicants are encouraged to contact regional forest health program leads: Mike Bohne for New England and New York; Rick Turcotte for the Mid-Atlantic; and James Jacobs for the Midwest. Successful applicants will work collaboratively with Forest Service staff throughout the lifecycle of the project and must adhere to IIJA-specific grant tracking requirements, which prohibit combining these funds with other Forest Service appropriations or redirecting them as pass-through grants.