Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Announces Municipal Grant Program

The Emerald Ash Borer, showing damage inside a tree.

Mitigating Emerald Ash Borer Impacts on the Urban Forest

Competitive, reimbursable grants are available to help local government agencies sustain their urban forests by managing to reduce impacts from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB.) Recipients must pay for 50% of project costs through direct or in-kind contributions. Communities within the Illinois EAB quarantine zone eligible to apply.

There are 3 categories of grants available:

1. 1. Reforestation Grants – For planting to replace ash trees;

2. Technical Assistance Grants – For inventory and assessment of publicly-managed trees and the development of plans to manage EAB; and

3. Wood Utilization Grants – For reclamation and utilization of wood products from felled ash trees.

Applications are due February 1, 2013.

Application and Grant Guidelines available at: http://www.mayorscaucus.org, or download below.

[box type=”info” border=”full”] Download the grant RFP and grant application here.[/box]

Two workshops will be offered to assist applicants plan competitive EAB management and reforestation projects. Municipal and state officials will discuss EAB planning and management. Grant application information and tips will be presented.

1. January 17, 10am – Noon: Illinois Department of Agriculture, 2280 Bethany Rd., Suite B, DeKalb, IL 60115 call 815-787-5479 for reservations and parking directions.

2. January 22, 10am –Noon: Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, 233 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 800, (Willis Tower) Chicago, IL 60606