California Forest Improvement Program

The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources, to ensure adequate high quality timber supplies, related employment and other economic benefits, and the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of a productive and stable forest resource system for the benefit of present and future generations.

The program scope includes the improvement of all forest resources including fish and wildlife habitat, and soil and water quality. Cost-share assistance is provided to private and public ownerships containing 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land. Cost-shared activities include: Preparation of a Forest Management Plan by a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and RPF Supervision of the following: Reforestation, Site Preparation, Trees and Planting, Tree Shelters, Stand Improvement, Pre-commercial Thinning or Release, Pruning, Follow-up (includes mechanical, herbicide and/or slash disposal follow-up), Forestland conservation practices / fish and wildlife habitat improvement Broadcast/controlled/cultural burning is not eligible for CFIP cost share.

Type: Grant Award: not published as a fixed amount; depends on the applications received Matching funds: 20% (CFIP provides reimbursement at either an 80% or 90% cost-share rate. Landowners with less than 500 acres receive 90% funding. Landowners with 500 acres or more receive either 80% or 90% funding depending on the nature of their project.) Funding method: Advances & Reimbursement(s) Funding source: State Deadline: Ongoing Award period: 7/12/2022 -6/30/2028 Source: California Grants Portal record 11714, published by the State of California.

Eligible applicant types: Business; Individual; Nonprofit; Other Legal Entity; Public Agency

Landowners must own at least 20 acres of forestland but not more than 5,000 acres of forestland in California. The 20-acre minimum does not apply to forestland zoned timber production zone. Forestland means land at least 10 percent occupied by trees of any size that are native to California. Developed areas such as structures, landscaping, and gardens shall not be excluded from the 20-acre minimum property size and shall be included.