Call for Green Networks Projects – Round 2

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CRPG)

Green Networks Projects

The Arkansas Tri-Region “Energy and Environment for the Natural State” Coalition, consisting of Northwest Arkansas, the City of Fort Smith, and Metroplan, was awarded a $100 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Metroplan serves as the lead agency for this initiative, managing the overall project and administering pass-through grants to the three participating regions.

From Central Arkansas’ CPRG allocation, $23.5 million was budgeted to “Green Networks” projects, supporting multi-use trail construction, land restoration, land preservation, and tree planting throughout the region. Since Spring 2025, Metroplan has awarded $14,397,600 in Green Networks funding to Central Arkansas cities, counties, and nonprofits.

This current call for projects aims to award the remaining $9,102,400 of Green Networks funding to eligible entities that will reduce/sequester greenhouse gas emissions through building trails and improving natural areas.

The online application for all three project types is available here.

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Multi-use Trail Construction Grant

Intended to award projects that reduce greenhouse gas pollution from motorized vehicles by increasing bicycle and pedestrian transportation connections. Projects must be construction ready with design completed or nearly completed and right of way fully or substantially acquired.

• Total available for Multi-Use Trail Construction: $2,318,400

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Land Restoration Grant

Funds projects that improve air quality and carbon sequestration through the restoration of natural areas. Eligible land restoration activities include (but are not limited to) invasive species removal and management, prairie and riparian buffer establishment, erosion control, reforestation, and increasing biodiversity with native plants. Restoration will be categorized by activities within the following land types: forest, prairie, wetland/floodplain, riparian area, or stream/riverbank.

• Total available for Land Restoration: $5,184,000

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Tree Planting Grant

Intended to fund projects that oversee tree planting activities (primarily saplings) in parks, right-of-ways, neighborhoods, and other urban environments. Eligible tree planting activities include (but are not limited to) plant materials, growing containers, soil and amendments, site preparation, education, and watering.

• Total available for Tree Planting: $1,600,000

Frequently Asked Questions

💡 What is the Green Networks Program? 

The Green Networks Program is part of Central Arkansas’s implementation of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). Administered by Metroplan, the program supports multi-use trail construction, land restoration, and tree planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve ecological function.

📌 Who is eligible to apply? 

Eligible applicants include:

• Cities and town within the Metroplan region
• County governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• Regional or community-based entities involved in conservation or active transportation
• Coalitions

Please note, if the Lead Agency is not a city or county governmental entity, a Letter of Commitment is required from the city or county in which the project is located.

🛣️ What types of projects are eligible? 

Three grant tracks are available. Applicants may request funding in one, two, or all three tracks.

1. Multi-use trail construction
   • Must be shovel-ready
   • Design should be completed or near-complete (60% designed minimum)
   • Right-of-way should be acquired or nearly acquired
2. Land restoration
   • Supports native habitat restoration, invasive species removal, erosion control, and ecological resilience
   • Applies to forests, prairies, wetlands/floodplains, riparian areas, and streambanks
3. Tree planting
   • Focuses on planting native trees (mostly saplings) in urban and suburban spaces
   • Includes eligible expenses like soil amendments, watering plans, and educational signage

📊 Is there a minimum or maximum application amount? 

No, projects can be large or small.

⏳ What is the deadline to apply? 

Applications must be submitted via Jotform by January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM CST.

🧾 What do I need to submit? 

The online application will request:

• Project narrative (background, project plan, maintenance, etc.)
• Location and project map
• Budget (Excel template provided within online application for land restoration & tree planting projects)
• Timeline and milestones
• Letter of Commitment from city/county (if applicable)
• Optional attachments like photos, plans, or past project examples
• For trail projects: Final/near final design documents and proof of completed/in progress right-of-way acquisition

📍 Does my project need to be in a specific location? 

Yes. Projects must take place within Metroplan’s six-county CPRG project area: Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Lonoke, Grant, and Perry Counties.

🌳 What counts as a restoration site? 

Eligible land types for restoration include: 

• Upland or bottomland forest
• Prairie or savannah
• Wetland or floodplain
• Streambanks or riparian corridors
• Vacant or degraded land with restoration potential

🧮 How are applications scored? 

Applications are scored using clear criteria based on:

• Project Plan and Readiness
• GHG emissions impact or sequestration potential
• Cost-effectiveness

🛠️ Can funds be used for planning? 

No. CPRG funds must be used for implementation (i.e., construction or on-the-ground activities).

🤝Can I partner with another entity?

Yes! Collaborations between cities, counties, nonprofits, or other stakeholders are welcome. You may apply jointly or list partners in your project narrative.

📞 Who can I contact with questions?

Contact:
Leesa Freasier
Grant Administrator
📧 lfreasier@metroplan.org
📞 501-372-3300

Brittany Nichols
Sustainable Transportation and Energy Ambassador
📧 bnichols@metroplan.org
📞 501-379-1113