GREENVILLE, SC — The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities today announced a $5 million funding opportunity to connect underutilized wood fiber with new buyers, strengthen regional supply chains and keep working forests economically viable. This effort will invest up to $1 million per year over five years in organizations that can develop durable market solutions, helping keep working forests productive and rural economies strong, especially in regions facing reduced processing capacity and shifting market conditions. An additional $500,000 is available for projects in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont through a partnership with the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Forest Economy Initiative. “Supporting a vibrant forest economy in Northern New England and New York is a central focus of the Commission,” said Chris Saunders Federal Co-Chair of NBRC. “This innovative collaboration with the Endowment will leverage our collective knowledge and resources of to the benefit of rural communities and their residents.”