The interagency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) targets improvements to address the most significant environmental problems within the Great Lakes Basin. Through an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service) anticipates receiving funds to support competitive projects that implement strategic, priority actions within Forest Service authorities to restore, protect, and maintain the Great Lakes ecosystem. Grant applications are due Friday, June 26, 2020. More information can be found on the US Forest Service website.

Program Areas

Forest Insect and Disease Mitigation – mitigate or control invasive forest insect and disease impacts on biodiversity or water quality.

Reduce Runoff from Degraded Sites through Green Infrastructure – reduce stormwater runoff by planting trees and other vegetation as integral components of green infrastructure.

Protect and Restore Coastal Wetlands through Healthy Tree Cover – restore habitats by increasing tree and other native plant cover to improve diversity, habitat function, water quality, and connectivity of coastal wetland systems.

Restore Resilient Riparian and Shoreline Forests – treat forested riparian and shoreline habitat to improve habitat quality, resiliency to stressors, and water quality.

Who May Apply

State agencies, Tribal communities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments that work within the Great Lakes Basin of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin