Application Deadline:
October 1, 2011
Preface:
TreeVitalize Metros is a partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), PA Community Forests, Penn State Cooperative Extension and local municipalities. The goal of the program is to help revitalize urban communities by increasing tree cover. Trees help to capture storm water, improve water quality, reduce urban heat island effects, beautify communities, increase property values, reduce heating and cooling costs and improve human health.
DCNR's goals are to:
Plant 1,000,000 trees by 2012, through this and other programs;
Train community volunteers to assist in the planting and early care of trees; and
Build community capacity for the long term management of urban forests.
Lehigh and Northampton Counties have partnered to bring this program to the Lehigh Valley. The Departments of Community and Economic Development will make grants available to municipalities to noticeably increase the tree canopy in their communities. As per DCNR guidelines, areas with low tree cover will receive priority for funding.
Program Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Demonstrated need for additional tree cover. (10 points)
Regional Impact - connection with or implementation of regional or local efforts. (10 points)
Evidence of municipal support (staff and resources) (15 points)
Evidence of a plan for community involvement in the project. (15 points)
Commitment by municipality and volunteers to attend a Tree Tender and Tree Management Training. (15 points)
Evidence of progress toward development of a long term sustainable urban forest management program. (i.e. a tree ordinance, an active shade tree commission, a street tree inventory, management plan, etc.) (15 points)
Community is currently recognized as Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. (10 points)
Street tree planting (5 points) versus park or greenway planting (0 points).
Adequate project budget. (10 points)
Eligible Organizations:
Funds can be awarded only to municipalities and municipal agencies. Municipalities must have a plan for planting and at least two citizen volunteers (not paid staff) willing to receive training and care for the trees. Please note: Cities and boroughs will receive priority.
Grant Amount:
The maximum amount for which a community can apply is $15,000.00 in one year. In addition, no more than $150 per tree will be awarded in grant funds. For example, for a project that will plant 100 trees, no more than $15,000.00 will be awarded. Prorated funding may be awarded at the County's discretion.
State LVTV Metros is a reimbursement based program. Projects must be completed within one planting season.
Funding Guidelines:
Eligible expenses include trees, tree supplies (e.g. stakes, ties, mulch, watering/gator bags, etc.), site preparation and tree-planting costs.
This is a reimbursement program. The Counties and DCNR will review each municipal proposal and have final discretion in selecting the funded projects.
Note that a contract between the municipality and the respective County must be executed before costs can be incurred. DCNR must approve the municipality's planting plan before submission of the grant application.
Application Procedures:
All interested applicants must submit the application (attached) to:
Lehigh County
Virginia Savage
Manager of Main St. Initiatives
17 S. 7th St., Room 519
Allentown, PA 18101
Northampton County
Thomas Dittmar
Environmental Services Coordinator
669 Washington St.
Easton, PA 18042
DCNR has also created a website: www.TreeVitalize.net which contains information on tree care and also contains various links which may provide useful information in your tree planting efforts.