DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4253
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATIONS, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS
Urban and community forestry projects throughout neighborhoods and parks to provide environmental, economic, and social benefits; and improved quality of life for New York urban residents
Applications must be postmarked or delivered by 4:00pm January 19, 2011. An anticipated $1,000,000 in grants will be available to municipalities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts and not-for-profit organizations that have a public ownership interest in the property or are acting on behalf of a public property owner. Communities may request from $2,500 to $62,500, depending on municipal population, with a 50/50 match requirement. Eligible projects include tree inventories; management plans; tree planting; maintenance and green infrastructure projects (for example storm water management projects, green roofs or rain gardens). Additionally, $1,000 Quick Start Arbor Day Grants are available with no match requirement to help communities support the beginnings of a tree program by having an Arbor Day celebration. Funds are made available from the Environmental Protection Fund and will be managed and allocated by DEC.
Grant proposals should discuss the scope of work, how the project will enhance local economies by providing environmental, economic and or social benefits in the community. In selecting sites, appropriate consideration should be given to under-served neighborhoods, as well as targeting areas of environmental concern. Applicants are encouraged to form regional partnerships. Proposals that help to implement watershed protection will also be considered.
DEC foresters are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. DEC staff will review the completed grant applications. Recipients will be chosen based on the established rating criteria including: cost effectiveness; project budget; projected benefits; use of recommended standards for implementation; community outreach and education; local support and regional impact.
Applications are available on the DEC web site: www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5285.html or by contacting Urban Forestry, Division of Lands and Forests at the above address, by phone at (518)402-9425 or email mckramar@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
