The Wyoming State Forestry Division has awarded $3.5 million in support of 22 projects as part of the 2026 Forest Health Grant Program. In Crook County, the NE Wyoming Forest Health & Wildfire Reduction Initiative, Crook County Natural Resource District, was awarded $300,000. The program was introduced with the passage of House Bill 78 during the Wyoming Legislature’s 2026 budget session. WSFD quickly mobilized to create and advertise the program, form an interagency project review committee and notify applicants of their funding status by mid-June to ensure that projects that will benefit Wyoming’s forests are on the ground as soon as possible.  Qualifying projects are those that improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, improve water quality and yield and enhance wildlife and livestock habitat. The committee reviewed 31 applications for more than $12.26 million.