The Model Forest Policy Program is offering an interesting-sounding new funding and technical assistance opportunity for rural communities looking for help with their land-use planning. Here’s how they’re describing the program on their website:
The Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP) is now accepting applications for 2011 Climate Solutions University: Forest and Water Strategies (CSU). This program offers U.S. rural communities the opportunity to protect their natural resources and be part of the climate adaptation solutions urgently needed across the country. . . Our staff, partners, and consultants will provide communities with online educational programs, plus in-depth coaching and consulting services in order to help rural and underserved communities develop a Climate Action Planning process focused on forest and water resources.
We anticipate offering scholarships to up to ten (10) U.S. communities to participate in our 2011 program, subject to available funding. Each community scholarship consists of $10,000 in funding, plus educational and consulting services valued at approximately $50,000. In exchange for the money and assistance to be provided by MFPP, the selected communities must commit to the entire eleven (11) month project by dedicating at least a half-time position (1/2 FTE) to conduct the local project activities, and provide $10,000 in matching funds or equivalent additional staff time for support of the project.
. . . In 2010, we will select ten new communities across the U.S. to participate, as a group, through an eleven month training and coaching process, February through December, 2011. The CSU partnership team and guest presenters will provide 11 webinar presentations, 11 monthly coaching conference calls and individual coaching on community specific issues. Each community group will engage fully in the process, be guided through a multi-step education and planning process, develop in-depth analysis of local forest water climate conditions; and create a customized strategy for local implementation.
Applications are due by 5:00 PM CST, September 15th, 2010. Questions? First, have a look at the full announcement (you can download the application form here, too). Want more information past that? Contact MFPP Community Coordinator Will Paddock at (937) 974-6151.
Thanks, Matthew Caps for sharing this!
Image by RubyJi.