Grants available for forestry projects statewide

Grant applications now are being accepted for the 2017-18 Urban and Community Forestry Program, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced recently.

Up to $90,000 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.

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.
- Tree planting on public property.
- 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 and Community Forestry Program coordinator.

Grant applications must be postmarked by Sept. 22. Projects that are awarded funding must be completed by Sept. 1, 2018. All projects must be performed on public land or land that is open to the public.

The grants are funded through the U.S. Forest Service's State and Private Forestry Program.

For a grant application or more information, visit the DNR website www.michigan.gov/ucf, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-284-5898 or sayersk@michigan.gov, or write to DNR Forest Resources Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, 48909-7952.

Published: Wed, Sep 06, 2017