Grants available for urban tree planting, maintenance

The Conservation Department's Tree Resource Improvement and Management program helps communities maintain beneficial trees.

JEFFERSON CITY-Shade that blocks the searing heat of summer and leaves that generate the air we breathe are among the many benefits of caring for trees in your community. The Missouri Department of Conservation has help for starting tree-care projects through the Tree Resource Improvement and Management (TRIM) program.

TRIM is a partnership of the Conservation Department and the Missouri Community Forestry Council. It provides reimbursements of up to $10,000 to public schools, government agencies and non-profit groups for tree planting and management on public land.

Projects eligible for TRIM funding include tree inventory, removal or pruning of hazardous trees, tree planting and training of volunteers and city or county employees in tree care.

Each applicant submits information about project cost and funding sources, project site maps and drawings, management plans and a letter of approval from the governmental body that owns the proposed project site. The application deadline is June 1.

Grants are awarded competitively. A panel of judges assesses each proposal for its value to the community, thoroughness of the tree management program, economic feasibility and the applicant's ability to promote, improve and develop a community urban forest.

Grant recipients receive up to 60 percent of total project funding. Communities with the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA designation are eligible for an additional 15 percent cost-share.

Grant application writing workshops will be offered at locations around the state in early April. For workshop information or to get a TRIM grant application and workbook, write to Community Forestry Coordinator, Forestry Division, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

-Jim Low-

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