Funding opportunity for landowners
in Pierce County

Washington Conservation Action and Pierce Conservation District now offer cost-share assistance directly to private forestland owners in Pierce County, Washington. Cost-share funding supports stewardship activities that increase carbon sequestration and storage, improve wildlife habitat, mitigate wildfire risk, and improve your forest’s resilience to climate change.

Forest stewardship priorities supported through this program

I’m interested! What’s next?

Interested in learning more? Fill out our interest form below and we will get in touch with you within 2 weeks!

Reimbursement rate table here.

What is Climate-Smart Forestry?

Climate-smart forestry increases forest resilience in the face of climate change and sequesters and stores more carbon over time compared to conventional practices. Climate-smart forestry also addresses issues of equity and climate justice, improving community well-being and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Learn more at https://www.climatesmartwood.net/

Building a Climate-Smart Wood Economy Across the Pacific Northwest 

This project is supported by a $25 million USDA Climate Smart Commodities ​grant and includes seven other partner organizations with a shared vision: to expand climate-smart forestry among non-industrial landowners across the Pacific Northwest and to increase access to and recognition for the benefits of climate-smart wood products.

Our core partners on this project are Sustainable Northwest, Pierce Conservation District, Northwest Natural Resource Group, Ecotrust, Vibrant Planet Data Commons, Vibrant Planet Public Benefit Corporation, and Trout Mountain Forestry.

What else are we doing with this funding?

• Market development for climate-smart wood supply chains including incentive payments to mills and manufacturers to support traceability in the supply chain, and price premiums to mills and landowners to promote the purchase and sale of climate smart wood.
• Measuring carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions reductions using a standardized methodology across all wood producers enrolled in this project. 
• Measurement of impacts beyond carbon including benefits to forest health and communities. 
• Coordination with local stakeholders and governments to align climate smart wood efforts with local initiatives and collaborate with local partners.

FAQ

How long does this funding opportunity last?

• USDA requires that funds be spent by April, 2028. All practices must be completed, and payment issued before this time. 

Do I need to register with the Farm Services Agency?

• Yes! You must register with the FSA and obtain a farm, tract, and field ID to enroll in this program. These data will be used to report on practices, acreage, and carbon impacts. We can help you through this process. An FSA number is a requirement for some other sources of federal funding, and may unlock future opportunities beyond this project.

What if I change my mind and want to undo a practice I’ve already received funding for completing (for example, harvest part of a riparian buffer I received payments to expand)? 

• You will be required to return payment for some or all of your reimbursement. 

Can nonprofit organizations that own land participate in the program?

• Yes!

Are city, county, and state forests eligible to participate?

• Sorry, no. This funding can only support stewardship activities on private land and Tribally owned or managed forest lands. 

Are forests managed by Tribal governments eligible to participate?

• Yes! We welcome participation from all Tribes with land in Pierce County, WA. 

How is this different from existing programs, such as EQIP?

• Our funding levels are slightly higher for certain climate related practices. We also support some practices that are not eligible for other programs, including forest management plan updates for climate adaptation and commercial thinning of low-value stands. Additionally, we will help connect your wood to local markets and can offer a price premium when you sell your wood to a participating mill. 

Can I get funding to do the same thing that EQIP or another federal program is funding me to do on my land?

• Sorry, no. Cost-share funding can only support practices on acres that have not already been funded for the same practice.

Can I get funding for a project I have already completed or am about to start?

• No- to qualify for funding, you must enroll in this program and sign a contract before starting a project. 

If I lease land, can I still participate?

• Yes, provided you have management authority over the property for the lifetime of the practice. 

Will this funding cover the full cost of stewardship activities?

• This cost-share funding may cover the full cost of stewardship activities in some cases, but not all. If you would like to learn more about funding rates for a potential project, please fill out the interest form above and we will get in touch with you. 

Are practices eligible for multiple payments?

• No, practices are only eligible for one-time payments on the same acres. You may receive additional payments to implement the same practice on different acres. 

How can I find out if my forest is in need of any of these stewardship activities?

• We are happy to chat with you and/or schedule a free site-visit to your property. Depending on your goals, we will refer you to a qualified local forester if additional evaluation is needed. 

If I receive funding through this program, who should I use as my forestry consultant to complete the stewardship activities?

• You are allowed to work with any qualified forestry consultant or practitioner to complete stewardship activities, provided you meet prevailing wage requirements. We are happy to provide a list of recommended foresters and contractors in your area. You may also manage the project yourself if you would prefer.

USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR233A750004G042. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.