Urban and Community Forestry Program Grants Available

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the availability of applications for the 2015 DNR Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. The grants are funded through the U.S. Forest Service’s State and Private Forestry Program.

Local units of government, nonprofit organizations, schools and tribal governments are eligible and encouraged to apply for the grants, which can be used for a variety of projects including:

•Urban forest management and planning activities.

•Urban forestry and arborist training and education events and materials.

•Arbor Day celebrations and materials.

“Assistance provided through this grant program will help communities and partners interested in creating and supporting long-term and sustained urban and community forestry projects and programs at the local level,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban Community Forestry program coordinator.

Grant applications must be postmarked by Sept. 25, 2015. Projects awarded funding must be completed by Sept. 1, 2016. All projects must be performed on public land or land that is open to the public.

A total of up to $80,000 is available for projects statewide. Depending on the project type, applicants may request grants up to $20,000. All grants require a one-to-one match of funds, which can be cash contributions or in-kind services but cannot include federal funds.

For a grant application or more information, visit the DNR website at michigan.gov/ucf.