The Iowa Legislature appropriated state infrastructure funds to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) to be used for a community-based tree planting program for derecho recovery tree planting.
The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants to be used to purchase and plant trees suitable to Iowa. Award recipients in counties impacted by the August 10, 2020 derecho will be awarded state infrastructure funds in reimbursable funds. A total of $152,808.47 in funds are available. Award recipients will be reimbursed $500 to $10,000 to buy trees and materials.
The Community Forestry Grant is available to state and local governments entities, schools and volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned lands owned by state, county, or local governments and located within the State of Iowa (DNR lands are not eligible). Qualifying public planting lands include, but are not limited to, street right-of-ways, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries and trails.
One applicant (a local government entity, school, service organization, etc.) can submit an application for multiple projects or locations for up to $10,000.
Fall 2024 Award Recipients
A Total $160,283.45 of was awarded to 19 projects. Award recipients include:
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City of Ames
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City of Calamus
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City of Cambridge
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City of Chelsea
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City of Coralville
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City of Elkhart
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City of Iowa City
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City of Maquoketa Tree Board
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City of Marion Tree Board
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City of Marshalltown – Trees Forever
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City of Monticello
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City of Pleasant Hill
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City of Tipton
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City of West Des Moines
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Dallas CCB
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Jackson CCB
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Marshall CCB
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Trees Forever - Marion