The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources announced that applications for new community forestry grants are being accepted, with a deadline of March 31, 2026.
According to the department, the Community Forestry Program is designed to help communities address specific forestry problems or demonstrate the importance of trees and urban forests. Grant funds may be used for projects such as new tree planting, urban forest renovation, tree maintenance, development of a tree ordinance or management plan, urban food forests, and tree inventories. Eligibility will be determined by tree canopy coverage; only areas with a canopy of 20 percent or lower qualify for funding. Details on determining canopy coverage are available on the department’s website.
Communities, tribes, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Projects must adhere to posted guidelines. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted to the Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry by the deadline. No matching funds are required from applicants.
For more information about eligibility or application procedures, interested parties can contact John Hartland at 605-933-9650 or John.Hartland@state.sd.us.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources supports a thriving economy, varied farming prospects, clean air, clean water and healthy communities for South Dakota residents, according to the official website. The department functions as part of South Dakota’s state government and aims to safeguard the state’s agriculture, environment and natural resources via regulatory services, conservation efforts and support programs. It extends its operations statewide across South Dakota and provides regulatory services, conservation programs and assistance to promote agriculture and environmental care. The agency focuses on agriculture and environmental stewardship as a state agency according to its official website.
More information about the grant program can be found on the official roster page.
