Environment DEC
From the October 2006 issue
DEC Accepting Urban Forestry Grant Applications
DEC is requesting proposals for grants that will support local community tree planting projects in urban neighborhoods and parks to promote energy savings, habitat creation, increase property values, and improve quality of life for New York's urban residents.
Total of $300K Available
Municipalities may request up to
$20,000 to purchase and plant
trees, particularly in areas in
need of increased tree cover
A total of $300,000 in tree planting grants is available to municipalities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts and not-for-profit organizations that have a public ownership interest in the property or are acting on behalf of a public property owner. Funds are made available from the Environmental Protection Fund and will be managed and awarded by DEC. Communities may request between $2,500 and $20,000 per proposal depending on municipal population. Grants are intended to have a lasting impact on neighborhoods, especially where there is a need for increased tree cover.
Proposals Should Demonstrate Benefits
Grant proposals should demonstrate how the tree planting project will improve the quality of forests in parks or open spaces; have an impact on urban air and water resources; or enhance the quality of urban life and improve public health. Grant applicants should indicate if their applications compliment other federal, state and municipal projects designed to revitalize urban neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents.
Local communities should give appropriate consideration to under-served neighborhoods within their urban areas when selecting sites for tree planting projects. Grant applications may propose reforestation of urban parks and open spaces to create habitat and generate an increased urban forest canopy.
DEC Foresters Available to Help
DEC foresters are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. DEC staff will review the completed grant applications and choose recipients based on established rating criteria. Proposals will be evaluated on their contribution to energy savings and heat island mitigation; use of proper tree planting techniques and tree care; consistency with an urban forestry master plan; the degree of community outreach and education of urban residents about the tree planting project, and any other environmental, social and economic benefits. In addition, the criteria also promote environmental justice by considering population density, relative economic status and outreach to under-served communities.
These grants further Governor Pataki's urban forestry goals, which were outlined in his 2004 State of the State Address. At that time, he directed DEC and the New York State Research and Development Authority to form a partnership with local communities to plant trees in neighborhoods throughout the state for environmental, social, and energy economic benefits. Further urban forestry grants opportunities are expected to be announced in coming months.
More Information
The grant application deadline is October 20, 2006. Grant applications may be obtained on the DEC web site (see "Related Links" below), or by contacting Urban Forestry, Division of Lands and Forests, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4253, or by phone at (518) 402-9425.
