The Florida Forest Service today announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program and the 2019 Managing Community Forests Grant Program. Both programs are supported through the U.S. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program which provides funding to local governments, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments and nonprofit groups for urban forestry projects within their communities.
“Urban forestry accounts for over 80,000 jobs and contributes more than $8 billion to Florida’s economy,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Now is the time for our cities and towns to take advantage of these opportunities to more actively manage the urban forests in their communities.”
“Urban forests provide a multitude of environmental and health benefits,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Restoring and sustaining these forests is vital to protecting and improving the livability of Florida’s communities and the quality of life of our residents.”
The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program is part of Florida’s ongoing initiative to increase and protect existing tree canopies in developed areas. The program is offered for projects implemented on public lands in all Florida counties. This year, projects will focus on promoting storm preparedness and storm recovery assistance. Qualified participants may apply for up to $20,000. Applications for this program will be accepted until Oct. 25, 2019.
The Managing Community Forests Grant Program is a new opportunity aiming to help communities develop an urban forestry management program. The program includes funding up to $55,000 for three projects over a three-year period and is designed for communities with a population between 10,000 and 100,000. Applications for this program will be accepted until Oct. 24, 2019.
To submit a proposal or to learn more, contact your local Florida Forest Service County Forester or visit the Florida Urban and Community Forestry grant program webpage. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.
