Four coastal towns were selected to receive a portion of $5.6 million in federal funding awarded to 19 communities for urban and community forestry projects through North Carolina Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program.
“This program aims to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable urban and community forestry management that matches their goals and capacity,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a statement. “North Carolina is known for its trees and green spaces. Maintaining and developing urban forest resources add to the beauty of our cities and towns and enhance the quality of living in our communities.”
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Nine communities including Emerald Isle and Manteo were funded through the Climb to Tree City USA package, which helps municipalities meet the requirements to be designated as a Tree City USA. Castalia, Conetoe, Grifton, Harrisburg, Hobgood, Rich Square and Waynesville were also awarded.
Tree City USA is a national program that provides the framework for community forestry management for cities, according to the forest service.
Elizabeth City, Gastonia, Hendersonville and High Point were awarded through Climb to Managing Community package, which helps existing Tree City USA communities meet tree planning and management needs.
Wilmington, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilson, received project funding through the Tree Maintenance and Planting package, which helps Tree City USA communities with completion of tree inventories to support tree maintenance and planting needs.
Hamlet was awarded project funding through the Bad Tree Bounty Project to manage invasive trees on public property and enhance their urban and community forestry program.
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Funding is through USDA Forest Service Consolidated Program Grant, Hurricane Helene Recovery and Inflation Reduction Act.
To learn more about urban and community forestry, the Urban and Community Forestry program and financial assistance opportunities, visit the program’s website.
