By: Abigail Krause, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
As more detections of emerald ash borer (EAB) are confirmed in Wisconsin’s northern counties, many communities are just starting to address the management consequences that others having been dealing with for more than a decade. Members of the communities in which you live and work may vaguely know of you as “that one person that knows things about trees.” As such you may get asked: are there any cost-share funds or programs out there to help communities deal with EAB?
The answer is yes! Urban Forestry’s grants can be utilized for EAB related projects. Extra great news: urban forestry regular and startup grants are accepting applications until Monday, Oct. 3.
Both grants are cost-share grants that are distributed on a reimbursable basis. Cash, in-kind contributions and donations can be used to initially fund project costs. Startup grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, while regular grants range from $1,000 to $25,000. Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in or conducting their project in Wisconsin are eligible to apply.
Potential eligible project components that relate to EAB management include:
- Inventory and risk assessment of ash trees
- EAB management plans
- Insecticide treatments
- Removal of ash trees
- Planting of replacement trees
- Staff training
- EAB education and outreach
- Ordinance creation or updates
If you are a community interested in applying for a grant or looking for guidance on the management of trees in your community, please contact your regional urban forestry coordinator for help.