The N.C. Forest Service recently awarded $5.6 million to support urban and community forestry projects in 19 local communities across North Carolina through its 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,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “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.”
Nine communities, including Waynesville, received project funding through the Climb to Tree City USA package, which supports completion of select urban and community forestry activities to help emerging municipalities build a foundational urban and community forestry management structure and ultimately achieve Tree City USA designation.
Funding for these awards was made possible through three federal grant programs: the USDA Forest Service Consolidated Program Grant, Hurricane Helene Recovery and Inflation Reduction Act funding.
To learn more about urban and community forestry, the Urban and Community Forestry program and financial assistance opportunities, visit the program’s website.