The DNR Urban Forestry Grant program awarded over $70,000 to 3 Wisconsin communities and 1 nonprofit organization for urban forestry projects during our 2019 second round of funding. In order to ensure a pool of catastrophic storm funds throughout the year we award grants in two rounds rather than awarding all funds in December. The communities who received grants in the spring include City of Franklin, City of Milton, City of Oshkosh, and Riveredge Nature Center.

Grant funds for 2019 projects will support tree inventories and assessments, management plans, urban forest restoration projects, staff training, public education and other urban forestry efforts. Communities were encouraged to apply for grants to bolster their preparedness for emerald ash borer. Wisconsin has approximately 5.2 million ash trees in cities, villages and urban towns. All are at heightened risk since EAB was confirmed in Wisconsin.

These projects are critical to early planning efforts that include forecasting budgets for labor, equipment, staff training and restoration. Urban forestry grants can range from $1,000 to $25,000 and grant recipients must match each grant dollar for dollar.

Further information about the DNR Urban Forestry Grant program is available at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/urbanforests/grants.html, or contact Sarah Zimmerman, Urban Forestry Grants Manager at (608) 640-6682 or Sarah.Zimmerman@wisconsin.gov. You may also contact Nicolle Spafford, Urban Forestry Financial Specialist at (715) 453-2188 ext. 1274 or Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov.