Twelve Communities Awarded Urban Forestry Grants

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recently awarded nearly $93,000 in urban forestry grants. The grants are to be used in resource conservation planning and management.

“Our urban forests are an important resource and, managed properly, can help reduce heat buildup, control storm water and improve the quality of life in our urban environment,” said Steve Scott, State Forester.

“This program is making a difference by helping our cities and communities maximize the benefit of this vital and often underutilized resource.”

The grants were approved after a review by state urban forestry officials and the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council grant review committee. Urban forestry grants are used by cities, communities and non-profit organizations for projects such as hiring urban foresters, conducting educational programs and tree inventories or for tree planting.

Urban Forestry is a USDA Forest Service funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry to help local governments and organizations better manage their urban forest resources. Properly managed trees in urban environments can aid economic development efforts and help with air quality, heat island effect, storm water retention, water quality and aesthetics.

“Tennessee is a forested state and this natural resource is just as important to our developed areas as it is to our countryside,” said Scott. “We’re glad to provide these grants to improve urban forestry management in communities across the state.”