Community Forestry Grants Program: Watershed Protection Implementation

The Texas A&M Forest Service invites proposals for the 2026 Community Forestry Grants Program, aimed at enhancing urban and community forestry across Texas. This program focuses on sustainable tree planting initiatives that increase canopy coverage, improve public health, and address sustainability issues such as climate and water quality. By applying, communities not only enhance their environments but also contribute to their resilience and well-being, fostering healthier urban ecosystems.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program helps communities develop sustainable programs that provide Texans with healthy trees and forests. In cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS), Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Community Forestry Grant Program (CFG). These competitive grants are designed to establish sound urban and community forestry principles that promote the protection and enhancement of urban and community forest ecosystems throughout the state of Texas. By applying for a Community Forestry Grant, applicants can not only make a positive environmental impact but also contribute to the well-being, resilience, and sustainability of the communities they serve.
The Watershed Protection Implementation Grant (WPIG) is designed to provide funding for the implementation of forestry components of active EPA accepted Watershed Protection Plans (WWPs) or plans that are in development. The grant promotes, supports, and enhances the use of trees and forestry in WWPs. A WPP is a framework for implementing integrated water quality protection and restoration strategies driven by environmental objectives. Watershed protection planning is locally driven to address complex water quality problems that cross multiple jurisdictions. Using nature-based solutions that increase strategically placed tree cover protect water quality while increasing equitable access to urban tree canopy and associated health, environmental and economic benefits.