2023 Growing Urban Forests in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer Grants

Tree planting in Essex to prepare for the loss of ash trees. The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program seeks applicants needing financial assistance for tree planting and reforestation efforts in consideration of the impact of the invasive forest pest emerald ash borer (EAB).  This grant program will support:

  • Tree planting in the public right-of-way or in public places such as parks, village greens, and educational campuses and
  • Tree planting on private land, provided approved permissions and agreements are in place.

With special funds through the US Forest Service’s Sustainable Urban Forest Resilience Program, VT UCF was selected to work with communities to support more resilient urban and community forests, with a focus on Vermont’s most populated areas.  This funding is intended for municipalities and applicants that are prepared to plant trees to offset the loss of ash trees due to EAB.

2023 Growing Urban Forests in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer Grants

Applications due Friday, December 30th, 2022

Available Funds

Grant awards will be between $3,000 and $20,000, for a total of $80,000 in 2:1 cost-share grants available in 2023. These funds will be distributed through a competitive grant review and selection process.  

Eligiblility

Municipalities, public educaitional institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may apply.  Eligibility for funding will be determined in accordance with the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development’s state designation programs; projects must be in, connect to, or be in direct service to a:

The Department of Housing and Community Development’s Planning Atlas may be a helpful resource to determine eligibility.  Priority will be given to applicants that can demonstrate need for funding assistance and documented prevalence of ash within the community.

Required and Eligible Project Components

Projects should create and foster more resilient urban forests by diversifying tree species planted and specifically addressing the loss of ash trees due to the invasive emerald ash borer.  Projects must take place in, be connected to, or be in direct service to an area that is designated through one of the Department of Housing and Community Development’s state designation programs and must include components of one or more of the three following focus areas:

  1. Tree planting in public ways or public places as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 2501a or at public educational institutions in proximity to prior ash tree removals;
  2. Interplanting species other than ash in public ways or public places as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 2501a or at public educational institutions in preparation for the eventual removal of ash trees; and/or
  3. Tree planting on private property, provided the municipality or applicant coordinates the planting of the trees and that approved permissions and agreements are in place. 

Although not required, projects may also include one or more other components directly related to EAB and resilient urban forests, including:

  • increasing municipal staff capacity to plan for and manage public trees
  • public outreach and engagement
  • ensuring the establishment and success of any trees planted through the proposed project.

Grant Documents

Grant Overview

Grant Application - fillable PDF

Note: If using the fillable PDF, download the form to your computer BEFORE beginning to fill it out. 

Grant Application - Word

Grantee Insurance Guidance

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

Volunteer Match Guidance

UCF Grants Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

For more information or assistance, contact the VT UCF staff listed below.

Helpful Resources

Learn about & look up your UEI Number
Sample State of Vermont Grant Agreement
Department of Housing and Community Development State Designation Programs
Department of Housing and Community Development's Planning Atlas
Emerald Ash Borer Management
Emerald Ash Borer in Vermont
Ash Tree Inventories
Vermont's Slow the Spread Recommendations
Vermont Tree Selection Guidance
Vermont Tree Selection Tool 
Cornell: Recommended Urban Trees
Right Tree Right Place

 

PLANT. LIVE. GROW.