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The Endowment staff did extensive review of literature related in income disparity by race and issues related to African American forestry.
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Research papers about Black land loss were produced by Professor Rory Fraser of Alabama A&M and rural development consultant Danyelle O’Hara.
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The program concept was presented to the board and a green light was given for further program design and research.
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A group of experts met by phone and endorsed the basic program concept.
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The board approved the Asset Creation Initiative including the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention project and requested an “Operating Plan.”
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The board approved the operating plan for Asset Creation and allocated $1 million to Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program.
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17 Pre-proposals received based on a widely circulated RFP. An advisory committee helps select 6 finalists for full proposals.
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Two USDA agencies, the Forest Service and NRCS commit financial, program, and personnel resources to advance the project.
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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.
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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.
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The 2 pilots began 6 month planning period.
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Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and CoBank make grants to the North Carolina Pilot.
