Apply Today for the 2011 Climate Solutions University: Forest and Water Strategies

The Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP) is pleased to announce the official launch of the 2011 Climate Solutions University: Forest and Water Strategies (CSU). This program offers rural communities the opportunity to protect their natural resources and be part of the climate adaptation solutions urgently needed across the country. The Model Forest Policy Program anticipates offering scholarships to up to ten (10) communities to participate in the 2011 Climate Solutions University program, subject to available funding. This educational opportunity is being conducted in partnership with the Cumberland River Compact. The 11 month program is scheduled to begin February, 2011.

Here's some additional information from the Climate Solutions University website on the program and how to apply:

Project Goals, Process and Outcomes

The purpose of the Climate Solutions University (CSU) is to guide and empower local communities in resource rich areas to develop local forest and water climate action plans. The facilitated program is modeled on the four-step process developed in two case studies conducted by MFPP and partners in Idaho and Tennessee. The four steps of the community process are: 1) Community decides to take leadership action; 2) Local conditions are assessed for resource vulnerabilities and action opportunities for forest, water and land use planning and practices; 3) Strategies and recommendations are developed; and 4) Actions are implemented, monitored and evaluated for impacts and benefits. This eleven month CSU project guides selected communities through the first three steps and prepares them for action implementation in 2012.

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 12 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.

Support for the community group will include $10,000 in scholarship funding and access to the eleven month education process worth an estimated value of $50,000. The community group will be expected to commit to the full process, provide a half-time staff person to the manage project, and contribute at least $10,000 of local matching funds to support the project staff time and other costs.

Specific outcomes are dependent upon local conditions and community values. However, in each community, the general environmental outcomes are greater protection of forest cover, stability of water resources, preserved natural habitat, sequestration of carbon, reduced risk of harm from avoidance of disasters such as floods, droughts and fires, and enhanced community resilience against the impacts of climate change. The community outcomes are greater public participation in natural resource decisions, protective public policy, and stronger institutions for influencing resource management.

The number of participating communities will gradually expand each year with a goal of engaging 200 communities in the next five years. By participating in the Climate Solutions University, rural communities will generate direct results for natural resource climate adaptation and resiliency. The process may also motivate communities to complete a full climate action plan including green house gas inventory and comprehensive emission reduction strategies.

Eligibility

Deadline for preliminary application: September 1, 2010.

Funding eligibility is limited to local or regional non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, local county or municipal governments, or coalitions of the above types of groups. National organizations and state or federal agencies may participate in partnership with a local organization or local agency where appropriate. However, the primary applicant and project leadership will be based in a local community group.

The characteristics of particular importance in the evaluation process include but are not limited to: eligibility, geographic distribution, funder priorities, strength of the applying organization, collaborating partnerships, benefits to rural and underserved population in the community, regional or national significance of the project area, commitment of staff and organizational resources to the project; track record of forest, water or climate work by the organization, natural resources at risk in the community, ability to participate in long distance learning modules via webinar and telephone; and perceived likelihood of successful completion.

For full scholarship details and to apply, please register. A confirmation email will be sent which you must respond to in order to be registered. Then you will receive an email with the attached Preliminary 2011 Application and Instructions. Once you download the application, there are several ways to complete it. {1} print, fill out the form, scan and email us the document or {2} copy the application to word doc, complete, and email us the completed form.