Florida Forest Service

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today announced that the Florida Forest Service is accepting applications for the 2018 Urban and Community Forestry grant program. The program provides funding to local governments, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments and nonprofit groups for urban forestry projects within their communities.

“As we prepare to assist our neighbors already facing a potentially devastating hurricane season, I urge our cities and counties to take advantage of this grant opportunity to more actively manage urban forests,” said Florida Forest Service Director Jim Karels.

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, the program will focus on promoting storm preparedness and storm recovery assistance. Qualified participants may apply for up to $30,000 in matching grant funds. Program participant projects include:

• Public tree inventory or assessment;
• Community storm preparedness planning;
• Storm preparedness information and education; and
• Replacement of urban canopy due to storms.

The Florida Forest Service will accept applications until Nov. 13, 2018. 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 one million acres of public forest land while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. To learn more about Florida Forest Service programs, visit FloridaForestService.com.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.