Environment DEC
From the October 2005 issue
DEC Accepting Urban and Community Forestry Grant Applications
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that DEC is requesting proposals for grants to support local community tree-planting projects in urban neighborhoods and parks to promote energy savings, habitat creation, improvement of property values and quality of life for New York's urban residents. A total of $500,000 is available.
Trees contribute to the
overall city environment
"These grants give local communities the opportunity to enhance natural resources in their neighborhoods," Commissioner Sheehan said. "The grants allow communities to improve the quality of city life by planting trees, offering New Yorkers the opportunity to experience the many benefits trees provide in our communities."
Grants Breakdown
Tree-planting grants totalling $300,000 are available to municipalities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts and not-for-profit organizations that have public ownership interest in a property or are acting on behalf of a public property owner. In addition, $130,000 in grant funds, provided by the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and United States Forest Service, are available to communities to help inventory trees when preparing community tree-management plans. And $70,000 will be available to cities with populations of 65,000 or more for urban forestry projects such as tree maintenance and removal identified in previously prepared management plans.
Funds will be allocated through the state EPF and are for use in urban forestry projects only. Grant requests can be in the following amounts: between $2,500 and $7,500 per proposal for municipalities under 65,000 in population, and between $5,000 and $20,000 per proposal for larger cities. Grants are intended to have a lasting impact on neighborhoods, especially where there is a need for increased tree cover.
Proposal Criteria
Grant proposals need to demonstrate how tree-planting project will: improve the quality of forests in parks or open spaces; have an impact on urban air and water resources; enhance the quality of urban life, or improve associated public health. Applicants should indicate whether their applications complement other federal, state, and municipal projects designed to revitalize urban neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents.
Local communities are asked to give appropriate consideration to under-served urban neighborhoods when selecting sites for tree-planting projects. Grant applications may propose reforestation of urban parks and open spaces to create habitat and generate increased urban forest canopy.
Technical Assistance
DEC foresters are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. DEC staff will review 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 to environmental and forestry components, the criteria also promote environmental justice by considering population density, relative economic status, and outreach to under-served communities.
Application Deadline
The grant application deadline is October 31, 2005. Instructions and applications for the three different grants may be obtained via the web link below, or by contacting: Urban Forestry, Division of Lands and Forests, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4253, 518-402-9425.
