Grant proposals are now being accepted for urban and community forestry projects. Twice each year, in May and November, the Forestry Division of the V.I. Department of Agriculture (DOA) accepts proposals for projects that encourage citizen involvement in such projects throughout the territory. Organizations and agencies in the Virgin Islands may apply for grants up to $20,000. Grants require a 1-to-1 match in the amount of funding requested; however, matches may be met through in-kind donations and volunteer time. Grant awards will be made on a competitive basis, according to a press release issued April 8 by the DOA. The deadline for application submissions for this grant cycle is Monday, May 2. Grant proposals are due into the main office of the DOA on St. Croix by 5 p.m. on that date.
The Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program seeks proposals for project funding from local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, civic and/or educational organizations, including but not limited to schools, homeowners’ associations, service clubs and environmental organizations. This year, the U&CF program is looking for projects in the following areas:
· Education and Public Outreach about Urban Forests and Trees
· Protection and Publicity about Heritage and Remarkable Big Trees
· Reducing Forest Health Risk Due to Invasive Species
· Identifying and Managing Hazardous Trees
· Collecting Data on Wildlife Use of Urban Forests
· Planning for and Planting Urban Trees
· Developing and/or Implementing Forest Management Plans for Developed Areas with Urban Forests
· Writing and establishing tree ordinances for neighborhood associations
· Training New Certified Arborists
Note: The U&CF program does not fund agricultural projects. Projects must have a major forestry component to be eligible for funding.
For more information, call Marilyn Chakroff, U&CF program coordinator, at 778-0997 ext. 233, or go to the DOA Web site at www.vifresh.com, and click on Forestry to find the grant application packet and grant application cover page.