The NFF's Matching Awards Program invested $547,000 in 18 on-the-ground projects. Conservation work will take place on several National Forests across the country supporting themes of Outdoor Experiences and Forest Health. These projects provide a lasting impact to the land, water, and wildlife of the National Forest System.

A full list of projects can be found here. A few highlights are listed below:

Arroyo Seco Foundation

San Gabriel Mountains Reforestation Program

To will engage and reconnect to nature all Angelinos with access to the Angeles National Forest, through a diversified range of volunteer work, which will help restore watersheds in Southern California.

Angeles National Forest, California
http://www.arroyoseco.org

Canaan Valley Institute

Removing a Mining Road and Improving Public Access at the Mower Tract Ecological Restoration Project

To replace an eroded road along an old mining bench and provide a two-mile non-motorized public access to a unique landscape and an expanded trail network. The trail will help visitors interpret legacy mining and restoration impacts.

Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
http://www.canaanvi.org

Ducks Unlimited Inc.

Promoting Bottomland Hardwood Forest Health and Resiliency at Oakwood Bottoms

To implement science-based adaptation strategies to promote bottomland hardwood forest health and resilience to predicted changes in regional hydrology and climate regimes, with a specific focus on the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir.

Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
http://www.ducks.org

Four Corners School of Outdoor Education

Improving Outdoor Experiences with Canyon Country Youth Corps on Manti La Sal Trails

To employ four Canyon Country Youth Corps crews of Native, underserved, & local youth to build 6 miles of trails over 13 weeks in Manti La Sal National Forest that improve recreation resources, while engaging youth in hands-on stewardship projects.

Manti La Sal National Forest, Utah
http://www.fourcornersschool.org