Urban and Community Forestry Grant Materials

I Introduction I Background I Program Objectives I Eligible Recipients I Fund Availability I Eligible Proposals I Funding Evaluation Criteria I Federal Regulations I Accounting I Application I Application Checklist I Time Tables I Disbursement of Funds I Technical Assistance

Introduction

The Arkansas Forestry Commission will promote the protection of urban and community forest by partnering with city and county governments and non-profits in the development or improvement of tree management programs, ordinances and land-use planning tools such as the “Green Infrastructure Approach” for public trees and forests.  This will involve educating the public on the need for healthy forests, creating active tree advocacy boards, encouraging the use of conservation development and tree management plans and supporting efforts to increase the number of cities in Arkansas recognized by the Tree City USA program.  Activities should result in measureable outcomes that focus on improvement in forest health and in water quality and quantity

Background

Beginning in federal fiscal year 2008 (FY 08), an increasing percentage of the State & Private Forestry allocations were invested in projects selected through a competitive process called the National Redesign Theme. This process is administered through a joint effort between the state forestry and USFS leadership in the north, west and south. The funding for this program was provided through this process and is intended to address important watersheds in Arkansas on a landscape scale.

Program Objectives

The following goals and objectives describe the role of Urban and Community Forestry within the context of the National Redesign Themes for State and Private Forestry. These goals are intended to provide focus for the program and are not exclusive of local needs and opportunities.:

UCF Goal 1:  Reduce the impacts of land use change, fragmentation and urbanization on forest landscapes

Objective 1.a:  Provide expertise and facilitate the implementation of green infrastructure and best management practices to identify and protect working urban forests.

Objective 1.b:  Provide technical assistance in the development of land-use planning tools, ordinances, programs and policies.

Objective 1.c:  Restore and manage open spaces in urban and urbanizing areas    to improve the quality of life for all residents.

Objective 1.d:  Mitigate the impact of development and land-use change through   tree protection and management practices.

Objective 1.e: Identify and conserve important plant and animal habitat for
                        species suitable to urban environments.

UCF Goal 2: Protect and improve air and water quality

Objective 2.a:  Conserve and enhance urban forest canopy to help attain
                        mandated federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. 
                       
Objective 2.b:  Establish canopy goals to help improve air and water quality.

Objective 2.c:  Replace impervious surfaces with tree canopy (increase
infiltration of storm water).

Objective 2.d:  Provide training and conservation education to community
                          personnel and volunteers.

Eligible Recipients

Parts of 39 Arkansas counties comprise the project area.  These are:  (1st Congressional District) Searcy, Baxter, Stone, Izard, Independence, Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, Cross, St. Francis, Lee (2nd Congressional District) Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pulaski, Saline and Yell, (3rd Congressional District) Benton, Boone, Marion, Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian, Carroll, Madison, Pope and Washington, (4th Congressional District) Logan, Polk, Sevier, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Cleveland, Drew and Grant counties.  See 2008 Redesign Proposal Landscape Map.

Eligible recipients include state & local governments, non-profit organizations [501 (c) 3], and educational institutions.

Fund Availability and Cost-Share Requirements

The federal share of any project will not exceed 50% of the total expenditures for the project (50-50 match). The non-federal match may be cash, services or in-kind contributions (services or in-kind contributions must be assigned fair market value).  The allowable grant expenditures for local program development have a maximum limit of $20,000.  The Grant Review Committee may waive the maximum allowable grant award for an exceptional proposal.

The federal cost-share portion of the project may not be matched by federal monies from any source.

This program is not to be used to replace existing funds and is to be used for projects not currently funded.  Grant funds cannot be used to purchase food.

* Communities who have failed to complete past grant projects may not qualify.

Eligible Proposals

Proposal categories should include development or improvement of local government programs and/or local advocacy organizations and information/education initiatives.  Examples of eligible projects include:

The Visiting Urban Forester Program – The Visiting Urban Forester (VUF) Program provides technical assistance and resources to communities.  The program enables you to review your community’s trees with a consulting urban forestry professional for up to five days to discuss:

• The present condition of your community’s urban forest
• The present state of your urban and community forestry program
• Factors that influence community trees – construction and utility concerns, budget, community interests (wildlife habitat and new tree plantings), and special areas of concern or management
• Current/future goals and actions for the community
• Organization of a tree board
• Development of a tree ordinance
• A park tree assessment

Tree Board or Tree Steward Organizations - Projects to organize a new tree board or volunteer citizen tree care organization to develop or administer an urban forestry program are eligible. Grant funds will cover training, development of written materials, tools, supplies and hire part-time staff personnel to assist with administration, program development, volunteer coordination, etc

Municipal Tree Inventory – Projects designed to inventory public trees on streets, in parks, on school campuses, etc. will be eligible.  The purchase of inventory software and supplies can be included.  Municipal and county governments may apply in this category as well as public colleges and universities.

Greenway Development Planning/Urban Stream Restoration – Projects related to the planning or enhancement of community greenways and watersheds are eligible for funding.  Grant funding may be applied to resource assessment, demonstration areas, feasibility studies, maps and drawings, and promotional/educational materials.

Publications and Communication – Projects which develop publications, videos and web sites that increase public awareness of the benefits of urban forests are eligible. 

Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Scholarships – Organizations may apply for funds to assist with the planning and implementation of a conference that focuses on the standards for becoming a Tree City USA or the goals as outlined above.  Grant funds can support printed materials, speakers, publicity, and administration.

Visit the following web sites for additional ideas:

• www.urbanforestrysouth.org
• www.arborday.org
• www.arkansastrees.org
• www.isa-arbor.com
• www.treelinks.org

Funding Evaluation Criteria

The following will be utilized by the Arkansas Forestry Commission and the Grant Review Committee of the Arkansas Urban Community Forestry Council to rank applications for funding recommendation.

Application

1. Fill out the Redesign Urban & Community Forestry Grant application form.
2. Prepare a project budget form showing federal and non-federal funds. Please indicate the type of non- federal funds that will be used to match the grant funds: cash, services, or in-kind. A sample budget form is available for review.
3. Attach a narrative (no more than 3 pages) that is concise and answers ONLY the following:
   • Name of organization, type of project, and how funds will be used and the how it will be matched.
   • What is the extent of the existing tree management program within the community and how will this grant improve it or if a U&CF program does not exist how will this project help start a tree care program?
   • If the project is regional in scope what communities will be involved in the project?
   • What are the future plans to insure the project is a success?
   • Is the community(s) involved with this project a Tree City USA or working on the designation and how will it promote the program?

     TREE CITY USA qualifications are as follows:

     • a community tree ordinance and management plan
     • a tree board, or forestry department or designated person
     • expenditures of at least $2 per capita on tree care annually
     • an Arbor Day proclamation by the mayor and ceremony
   • How will the project incorporate the program goals and objectives?
   • Who will participate and what are their roles in the project and how will Arkansas Forestry Commission employees be involved?
   • Are their educational components to the project
   • What watershed(s) will be impacted by this project?
   • If participating in the Visiting Forester program, describe goals related to Guidelines for VUF Report Checklist (see page 16-18).
   • What is the proposed time frame for the project?
   • Is there additional information that helps describe the proposed project?
   • Fill out the Governor's briefing form. Fill out all the required federal forms listed in the Federal Regulations and Forms section.
   • Mail (faxes not acceptable) three (3) copies of the application package to: