By Nicolle R. Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grants Manager; Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for Wisconsin Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants.

This round of grant funding became available through Executive Order #232, signed by Gov. Tony Evers on June 28, 2024, declaring a state of emergency due to recent severe weather events across Wisconsin.

Following the governor’s declaration, the DNR’s Urban Forestry Grant program will make 20% of its unallocated annual funds available to aid eligible applicants, including Wisconsin municipalities, counties, tribal governments and 501(c)(3) organizations. Grants range from $4,000 to $50,000 and do not require a dollar-for-dollar match.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.

The DNR’s Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant program funds tree repair, removal or replacement within urban areas following a catastrophic storm event for which the governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 323.10, Wis. Stats.

A catastrophic storm is damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind or tornado. Catastrophic storms do not include insect infestation or disease, forest fire, drought or water saturation due to flooding.

For more information and to apply, please visit the DNR’s Urban Forestry Catastrophic Grants webpage.

For additional storm-damaged tree-care resources, visit the DNR’s Tree Learning Center webpage.