DNR awards more than $110,000 in urban forestry grants

DNR’s Division of Forestry has awarded $110,465 in federal funds to 11 cities, towns and non-profits in Indiana for urban forestry projects.

Projects include tree inventory and urban tree canopy (UTC) analysis for management planning, new tree plantings, and education and awareness campaigns.

Urban forests enhance air and water quality, making Indiana communities healthier, safer and more beautiful. The DNR Community and Urban Forestry program offers these matching grants annually to jumpstart or enhance urban forest management.

Funds for tree inventory and UTC analysis were awarded to Columbia City, $18,315; New Albany, $20,000; Plainfield, $15,000; and Lawrenceburg, $10,000.

Funds for tree planting projects that target environmental issues such as water quality, flooding, air quality, and recovery from emerald ash borer were awarded to Churubusco, $5,100; North Township Parks (Lake County), $8,750; Remington, $5,000; Rensselaer Urban Forest Council, $8,300; Tipton, $5,000; Trees Inc. (Terre Haute), $5,000.

Funds for urban forestry awareness, education and outreach projects were awarded to the Indiana Arborist Association, $10,000.

Funding came through the DNR Community and Urban Forestry program from the U.S. Forest Service.