Community Forests Program (CFP)

Community Forests Program (CFP) is sponsored by Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). Community Forests Program (CFP) is a grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) that funds the preservation of working forests in Washington State.

RCO - Washington Recreation & Conservation Office --> Community Forests Program - RCO Community Forests Program The Community Forests Program gives communities a way to preserve their working forest heritage.

The grant program balances the many benefits forests provide – from providing money from use of the land, to safeguarding against climate and other environmental changes, to providing opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural enrichment.

As Washington's population continues to grow and forestlands are increasingly threatened by development, the Community Forests Program is a valuable tool for preserving working lands for the benefit of Washingtonians now and into the future.

Grant Application Schedule Application Webinar, Applications Open View the recorded webinar Technical Review (Staff Review) Technical Completion Deadline Project Evaluation (Written) July 28, 2026 - August 20, 2026 Board Approves Ranked Lists Most recent grants and evaluation results, listed by the application year.

Applicant Authorization Resolution Certification of Applicant Match Form Electronic Signature Authorization Form Local Jurisdictional Review Documentation Local Jurisdictional Review Example Letter Manual 3: Acquisition Projects Manual 4: Development Projects Manual 5: Restoration Projects Washington Integrated Forest Management Plan Guide RCO’s Application Webinar recording is now available!

New for 2026: The manual for this year’s grant round will be published in February. But until then, here’s a sneak peek at upcoming changes: Acquisition of land currently or previously managed by a public entity is eligible. Sponsors have eighteen months from the board funding meeting to acquire land in a combination project.

Earnest or option payments incurred before the execution of a grant agreement are an eligible pre-agreement cost if they are applied to the purchase price of the land acquired.

Buying land to conserve working forests (required for all projects) On purchased land, projects also may restore forest and habitat health and develop recreational facilities City or county government agencies Special purpose districts and other political subdivisions of the state (e.g., park and recreation districts, port districts, public utility districts) Public development authorities (as authorized under Revised Code of Washington 35.

21. 730) Nonprofit conservation organizations A state agency working directly with one or more of the above entities Funding comes from the sale of state bonds. A 15 percent match is required.

Match may include the following: Donations of cash, land, labor, equipment, and materials Federal, state, local, and private grants Applicant’s labor, equipment, and materials Acquisition: Buying forestland Development: Developing recreation facilities, such as trails and trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day-use areas, challenge courses, interpretive displays.

Restoration: Restoring forest health or habitats, planting or reforestation, removing or correcting fish barriers All projects must acquire land. Projects may include restoration or development of that land but restoration and development cannot be stand-alone projects.

Acquiring land by a condemnation action of any kind Animal species introduction or propagation, other than biological controls for invasive species Environmental cleanup of illegal activities (contaminated materials, derelict vessels, trash, methamphetamine labs, etc.) Fish or other wildlife production facilities, such as fish hatcheries, to produce sport fish Indoor facilities such as community centers, environmental education or learning centers, gymnasiums, swimming and therapy pools, and ice-skating rinks Restoration required to mitigate for activities unrelated to community forests Routine operation and maintenance costs Purchase of maintenance equipment, tools, or supplies Property acquired with these grants must be kept as forestlands forever.

More information is in Manual 7: Long-term Obligations . Some upcoming grant application deadlines may be adjusted due to the government shutdown. Find deadline updates on the corresponding grant pages.

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