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Preliminary concept development.
The Endowment staff did extensive review of literature related in income disparity by race and issues related to African American forestry. -
Period: to
Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program
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Professional research commissioned.
Research papers about Black land loss were produced by Professor Rory Fraser of Alabama A&M and rural development consultant Danyelle O’Hara. -
Board interest.
The program concept was presented to the board and a green light was given for further program design and research. -
Experts assess concept.
A group of experts met by phone and endorsed the basic program concept. -
Initiative approved.
The board approved the Asset Creation Initiative including the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention project and requested an “Operating Plan.” -
Program funded.
The board approved the operating plan for Asset Creation and allocated $1 million to Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program. -
Pre-proposals received.
17 Pre-proposals received based on a widely circulated RFP. An advisory committee helps select 6 finalists for full proposals. -
Forest Service and NRCS become partners.
Two USDA agencies, the Forest Service and NRCS commit financial, program, and personnel resources to advance the project. -
Pilot sites selected.
Sites in Coastal South Carolina and Northeastern North Carolina were selected as the initial pilots. The SC project is led by the Center for Heirs Property Preservation. The Roanoke Electrical Cooperative leads the NC pilot. -
Vilsack and Butterfield announced the grants.
USDA Secretary Vilsack announced the pilot sites when he was in South Carolina to announce the Department’s expansion of its Strike Force Initiative. North Carolina Congressman Butterfield, Leonard Jordan of NRCS, and Endowment Senior VP, Peter Stangel, announced the NC pilot in a press event. -
Project start-up
The 2 pilots began 6 month planning period. -
New funders join
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and CoBank make grants to the North Carolina Pilot.
