NIFA Grants Address Forestry and Rangeland Renewable Resources
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NIFA Grants Address Forestry and Rangeland Renewable Resources
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded four grants to address emerging forestry and rangeland issues through expanded and comprehensive extension programs.
“Forests are an essential asset for addressing climate change and have the potential to provide a sustainable and significant quantity of biomass for bioenergy production,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. “Retaining the nation’s forests is a critical first step towards improving climate change mitigation and securing renewable energy needs.”
NIFA awarded the grants through the Renewable Resources Extension Act program (RREA), which was established to enhance the sustainability of the nation’s forest and rangeland resources and to enable landowners and managers to achieve their desired goals and objectives. These projects help the Cooperative Extension System maximize its impact by working across state boundaries to address critical issues such as forest sustainability, forest health, and climate change.
The fiscal year 2010 awards include:
University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $44,649 (continuation award) – to continue the development of an updated national RREA strategic plan to address current and emerging issues.
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Miss., $38,078 (continuation award) – to continue to develop unique educational projects to manage wild pigs in the United States.
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $96,099 – to support and build capacity for longleaf pine restoration on private lands in Texas and Louisiana through a community-based partnership, the “Texas-Louisiana Longleaf Pine Task Force.”
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., $96,174 – to assist landowners with land management strategies to reduce the incidence of parcelization, retain forest cover and contribute to the woody supply for products and fuel.
Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is available at
