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Empowering Connecticut’s Land Trusts to Cultivate Resilient Forests for a Changing Climate

For decades, Connecticut’s land trusts have excelled at protecting land, collectively conserving more than 200,000 acres. As land stewards, they are keenly aware that our forests, comprising 60% of our natural lands, are now navigating unprecedented challenges. From the increasing intensity of extreme weather and drought to the pervasive threat of invasive species, these pressures underscore a changing landscape. While the fundamental act of protecting land remains essential, the shifting climate calls for deeper consideration of how we care for these protected places.

To help land trusts face these challenges, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) is launching the Climate-Smart Forest Stewardship Grant Program.

Nature’s Best Tool

We often hear about new technology to fight climate change, but nature gave us the best tool we have: trees. Healthy forests act like a giant sponge. They soak up carbon dioxide from the air, keep our water clean, and cool down our neighborhoods.

However, a forest can only do this work if it is healthy. Climate-smart forestry is not just about locking away carbon; it is about “adaptation”, helping ecosystems adjust with changing conditions so they can persist and thrive in a future that looks very different from the past. Climate-smart forestry involves active stewardship, such as managing forest stand density to boost tree health and habitat, creating structural diversity with patch openings, and planting climate adapted native trees and shrubs. By implementing practices such as these, land trusts can help struggling forests remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.

Investing in Resilience

We are awarding a total of $500,000 in grants to help land trusts take care of their forests. 

Land trusts in municipalities defined as rural by the U.S. Forest Service (a population under 50,000) can apply for implementation grants of up to $100,000. These grants are designed to turn plans into action by supporting climate-smart practices identified by the CT NRCS.

“This program will directly support land trusts in strengthening the resilience and long-term health of their woodlands. This work will help some of our struggling forests adapt today so they can grow into the healthy, resilient forests we envision for future generations,” said Ricky Bentley, CLCC’s Program Manager. “I’m thrilled we can offer this implementation-focused grant program as a follow-up to earlier planning grants, and extend the opportunity to other land trusts interested in undertaking this critical work.” 

Our Partners

Funding for this grant program is provided by the U.S. Forest Service through its Forest Stewardship Program, under the Inflation Reduction Act, and is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).

This new grant program builds on the success of CLCC’s previous Climate-Smart Land Stewardship Program, funded by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. 

How to Apply

CLCC and its partners are looking for forest stewardship projects that are ready to launch. Applications will be reviewed quarterly, with the first deadlines approaching on January 30, 2026 and April 30, 2026. Subsequent deadlines may be announced depending on availability of funds. 

Because this program is technical in nature, CLCC requires an initial conversation to ensure your project aligns with eligibility requirements before you apply. To start the conversation or schedule a site visit, please contact: Ricky Bentley, Program Manager, at rbentley@ctconservation.org or (860) 852-5512.