Oct. 1 deadline for 2011 DNR Urban Forestry Grant applications

OCT. 1 DEADLINE FOR 2011 DNR URBAN FORESTRY GRANT APPLICATIONS

August 31, 2010

MADISON - Wisconsin towns, villages, cities, and counties as well as tribal governments and non-profit organizations have until Oct. 1 to apply for matching state grants to promote urban forestry in their communities.

"The Urban Forestry Grant Program provides funding to help communities throughout Wisconsin develop their own sustainable urban and community forest management program," according to Candice Sovinski, urban forestry grant coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources.

Urban Forestry Grant Program funds can help communities manage their urban forests through a wide range of projects and activities. Previously funded projects include: urban forestry management plans, emerald ash borer preparedness plans, community tree and hazard tree inventories, vegetation ordinances, urban forestry tree boards and/or tree action groups, staff training; public awareness programs, tree planting and much more. The program requires grant recipients to match funding on a 50-50 cost-share basis. Approximately $502,000 in funds will be awarded as part of the 2011 grant cycle, according to Sovinski.

"This year, the grant program received an additional $150,000 in federal funds to help communities prepare for and respond to EAB," Sovinski said. "Emerald ash borere preparedness remains a top funding priority."

The deadline to postmark an Urban Forestry grant application is Oct. 1.

Detailed information on how to apply for the grants, along with links to application forms and guidelines, applicant requirements, and a list of previous grant recipients' funded projects is available on the urban forestry pages of the DNR website. Grant applicants can also contact their regional DNR urban forestry coordinators or Sovinski if they have questions about the program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Candice Sovinski - (608) 267-3775

Last Revised: Tuesday, August 31, 2010