Urban Forestry Projects Get Inflation Reduction Grants

March 30, 2024

Article Summary –

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has awarded nearly $5.5 million in grants for 36 urban forestry projects across Ohio through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Urban Forestry Grant Program. The grants range from $50,000 for emerging urban forestry programs to $1 million for established programs, aiming at developing and expanding such programs, especially in underserved communities. The funding from this grant cycle forms part of the $9 million allocated to Ohio for forestry, marking the single largest pass-through grant ever managed by the Division of Forestry.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Awards $5.5M in Urban Forestry Grants

Ongoing efforts to improve urban forestry in Ohio recently received a significant boost. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has awarded nearly $5.5 million in grants for 36 urban forestry projects across the state through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Urban Forestry Grant Program.

The successful recipients span cities and villages including Chillicothe, Portsmouth, Logan, Jackson, Washington Court House, Greenfield, and Baltimore. “We are pleased to provide these grants, pushing urban forestry programs that deliver life-sustaining benefits,” said Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry.

Grants were made available to Ohio’s nonprofit organizations with a focus on expanding tree canopy in underserved communities. Funds can be utilized for staffing, urban forestry planning, training, risk mitigation, and tree planting.

“Many urban forestry programs in Ohio operate on tight budgets. Our grant program helps supplement budgets and facilitates the growth of community forests,” said Carrie Morrow, Urban & Community Forestry Program Manager with the Division of Forestry.

Funding for these grants has been provided by the USDA Forest Service, with this cycle’s allocation forming part of the $9 million IRA grant dedicated to Ohio forestry. This marks the single largest pass-through grant ever administered by the Division of Forestry.

To view the full list of grant recipients, click here.