By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor, Contact News
Big Sky Connection - A new urban forestry grant program will allocate nearly a half-million dollars to improve the tree canopy in Montana's urban areas. In addition to fighting the effects of climate change, supporters say the urban tree canopy program will also benefit the areas economically. Comments from Jamie Kirby, urban and community forestry program manager, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Click on the image above for the audio. Urban Community Forestry Grants seek to improve air quality and wildlife habitat in Montana's disadvantaged urban areas. (Adobe Stock)
Mark Moran
January 12, 2024 - The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is investing $400,000 in grant projects to improve the tree canopy in Montana's urban areas.
It is the largest forestry grant of its type the state has ever received. The department wants applicants to focus on innovative forestry projects to take on the effects of climate change, such as improving air quality and providing shade.
Jamie Kirby, urban and community forestry program manager for the department, said the Urban Community Forestry Grants should have a big impact on historically underserved areas in Montana.
"We'll be focused on increasing access to green space in urban areas," Kirby explained. "The funds will improve economic and environmental impacts to these disadvantaged areas."
In addition to getting trees into the ground, grant recipients will be required to provide urban forest management plans and educational programs on tree care and preservation.
Kirby pointed out more and better urban canopies will also improve air and water quality and enhance urban wildlife habitats. She added the whole country has seen a reduction in urban canopy vegetation. In Montana, reversing the trend means planting more trees and monitoring those already in place.
"Assessing them for their health, for what kind of species we have available and what really grows well in our climate is really important to understand our urban forest resources," Kirby emphasized.
Kirby added Montana cities, towns, counties, community-based organizations, colleges, nonprofits and tribal governments are eligible to apply for the grants, which range from $10,000 to $50,000. The program is paid for largely through the Inflation Reduction Act. The deadline to apply is the end of January.
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