FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
Opportunities are available now for communities to enhance their protection from wildfire through special grant funding. Eligible entities to apply for the funding include units of local governments, non-profit and homeowner organizations, Indian tribes, and State agencies.
Two primary projects make up the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG), being facilitated through the Georgia Forestry Commission. One provides up to $250,000 for the development or revision of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The second provides up to $10 million for the implementation of wildfire risk reduction projects described in a CWPP. All applicants must be located in an at-risk area or represent a community that is considered at risk of being impacted by a wildfire.
“This is an excellent opportunity for local governments and non-profits to get financial assistance for critical safety services,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “With extreme summer weather events still top of mind, it’s the ideal time for at-risk areas to take steps that can help protect people and property.”
Applications for CWDG funding will be accepted until midnight on October 31, 2023. More information about the grant can be found by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants. Direct inquiries may be made to aenglish@gfc.state.ga.us or (478)-832-9298.
For information about services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.