Wood Education and Resource Center Grants
Deadline: February 15, 2007
The USDA Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center is currently accepting proposals for federal fiscal year 2007.
Eligible organizations include nonprofit and for-profit organizations, state and local government agencies, higher education institutions, and tribes. There will be approximately $1 million available for projects. The final dollar amount will be determined once the Forest Service receives its official budget for fiscal year 2007. The average grant is anticipated to be $50,000 but may vary from $10,000 to $100,000 per project. Each project will require a one-to-one match of nonfederal funds.
Projects should focus on enhancing opportunities for sustained forest products production for primary and secondary hardwood industries located in the eastern hardwood forest region. In order to maintain and improve the health of our eastern hardwood forests, local wood-using industries need to be vibrant and able to utilize a wide variety of resources from the forest. Priority will be given to proposals that accomplish one or more of the following:
* Maintain the economic competitiveness of the primary and secondary hardwood industries.
* Bring information and technology about processing, marketing and business-related skills to existing and emerging businesses involved in the development and manufacturing of wood products.
* Bring information and technology to existing and emerging businesses that focus on urban wood utilization, hazardous fuels reductions, utilization options geared to improving stewardship or use of low value woody biomass.
* Encourage the adoption of new technology to improve competitiveness and profitability.
* Provide support and key information to entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.
* Address global issues such as: 1.) phytosanitation of wood packaging materials, and 2.) assisting communities and industries facing threats from invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer.
* Increase the use of woody biomass as an economic feedstock for meeting our nation's energy needs. Examples include heating and cooling, cogeneration, and liquid fuel production. In addition, proposals focused on sustainable forest management related to biomass supply and low-impact utilization options will be accepted.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by the end of May 2007.
For further instructions and application, visit the Wood Education and Resource Center or contact:
Anne Buckelew Cumming, BA, MFS
USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry
180 Canfield Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.285.1504 (p)
304.285.1508 (f)
