Commission accepting applications for grants to fund tree projects

The Arkansas Forestry Commission is accepting 2017 Urban and Community Forestry Program grant applications through Nov. 24.

Grants are available to fund community projects that develop or improve public tree management and maintenance. Applications and details are available at www.aad.arkansas. gov/urban- community- forestry, said Adriane Barnes, an Arkansas Forestry Commission spokeswoman.

The forestry commission and grant review committee of the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council will rank grant proposals and award funds based on criteria that includes: 1) how much the proposed project will improve a community’s tree management program; 2) proposed implementation plan for the project; 3) proposed level of community involvement; 3) educational components; and 4) proposed tree care and longterm maintenance planning.

Communities that participate in the Tree City USA or Tree Campus USA programs will receive additional ranking points.

Urban and Community Forestry Program grants are made available through federal grant funds from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Examples of eligible projects include: Improving Tree Health

Greenway Development Planning Urban Stream Restoration Parking Lot Improvements for Stormwater Runoff Tree Friendly Streets Park Improvements Communications Materials and Training

The maximum federal cost share of any project is 50 percent of the total expenditures for the project. The non-federal match may be cash, services, or in-kind contributions.

For more information, contact Alison Litchy at (501) 580-9609 or Alison.Litchy@arkansas.gov.