MS Forestry Commission Announces Urban Forestry Grants

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) is accepting tree planting grant applications for the 2006 Katrina Urban Forestry Grant Program. Grant applications will be accepted through three batch periods, September 1, 2006, December 1, 2006, and March 1, 2007.

The Katrina Urban Forestry Grant Program provides grants to eligible participants for the purpose of planting trees & tree replacement, tree remediation work, tree inventory & assessments, and urban forestry information & education projects.

“The Katrina Urban Forestry Grant Program is a great example of state and federal agencies working together with local governments for the betterment of the residents of Mississippi’s cities, towns and communities,” said State Forester Charlie Morgan.

Proposed urban forestry projects must have a direct relationship to Hurricane Katrina damage in urban communities. Any unit of state or local government is eligible to apply for a Katrina Urban Forestry Grant. Awarded grants range from $1,000 to $50,000. Grants may cover up to 100% of the total project cost with no matching requirements.

A grant information packet is available at the MFC’s website: www.mfc.state.ms.us. Grant packets are also available from the MFC’s Conservation Education & Public Outreach Office by calling the above phone numbers.

The Katrina Urban Forestry Grant Program is a partnership program between the MFC and the USDA Forest Service.