AZ Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grant - 2024

The Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry program is excited to announce the next round for the Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grant Program! This program is open ONLY to currently recognized Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA, and Tree Campus K-12 program participants and community organizations directly serving recognized Tree Cities and Campuses. The purpose of this program is to support the management, improvement, and/or conservation of community forests by recognized Tree Cities and Tree Campuses. Funds may be used to promote and enhance the quality of Arizona's urban and community forests, and may also be used for engaging decision-makers through urban forest management initiatives. The goals of this program are to: Assist recognized Arizona Tree Cities and Tree Campuses in initiating or significantly improving their efforts to care for the community forest, including assistance for achieving canopy cover goals Encourage recognized Tree Cities and Tree Campuses to develop and maintain a sustainable, balanced, and comprehensive community forestry program that is based on a current tree inventory and managed with the guidance of a community forestry professional Promote community forestry benefits through the proper management and care of trees in Arizona's recognized Tree City and Tree Campus communities, including through harvesting programs Eligible activities, listed in order of priority, are: Development and adoption of a written community tree management plan or community readiness plan Tree planting projects as part of a comprehensive management program to meet state, county, or community canopy coverage goals Community tree inventory support Removal of hazardous trees Pruning according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 specifications (without topping) Municipal tree ordinance development by a certified forestry professional Training of city employees and volunteers to improve community forestry practices Initial costs of certification for in-house employees by the International Society of Arboriculture Other activities that meet needs identified in the Arizona Forest Action Plan All projects involving tree planting must include a five-year maintenance plan. All trees purchased must meet the American Standard for Nursery Stock and Arizona Nursery Association standards. Planted trees must be guaranteed for one year after planting. All hazardous trees must be identified by a certified arborist, forester, or similarly qualified person. Eligible costs include personnel/labor, operating costs and supplies, travel, contractual services, equipment, and indirect costs. Eligibility is limited to currently recognized Tree City USA and Tree Campus USA program participants or community organizations directly serving Tree City/Campus participants. Financial Notes: Match Notes: Applicants must provide at least 50 percent of the total project cost via nonfederal matching contributions. Matching contributions may include: Cash Services Volunteer time at the local market rate Equipment usage In-kind contributions For projects involving tree planting, a five-year maintenance plan must be funded by the applicant's own resources. Matching funds may not be provided by other funding programs administered by the federal government. Funds used to match another program may not be used.   Funding Notes: An estimated $8,000 is available to support awards ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 through this program. Awards typically range from $2,000 to $4,000. Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis. Project periods will begin on September 1, 2024 and end on June 30, 2025. Final reimbursement requests must be submitted by July 31, 2025. Planted trees must be guaranteed for one year after planting. Award notifications are expected to be issued after August 6th, 2024. Up to 10 percent of funding may be used for indirect costs, inluding overhead/administrative costs. Funds may not be used to purchase capital equipment costing over $5,000; however, funds may be used to rent equipment. Funds may not be used for: Ordinary operational expenses Purchasing food or beverages Previously funded projects Projects that have already started or are ongoing