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DACF News Release


*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?*
May 16, 2023

Media contact: Jim Britt <[email protected]>

*2023 Project Canopy Grants Announced: Supporting Tree Planting and Education Initiatives in Maine*

Augusta, Maine ? The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Project Canopy, Maine's Urban and Community Forestry Program led by the Maine Forest Service (MFS), is thrilled to announce the selected grant proposals for the 2023 funding cycle. This year's review process, marked by careful evaluation and alignment with program goals, resulted in funding all submitted proposals, totaling $121,798.00. MFS received nine Tree Planting and Maintenance Grant proposals and seven Planning and Education proposals.

"We are delighted to see the response to the 2023 Project Canopy grant funding cycle," *said Amanda Beal, DACF Commissioner*. "The submitted proposals were of exceptional quality, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of communities and organizations across Maine to promote tree planting and education."

The grant applications reflected diverse projects, addressing various community needs and opportunities. Seven of the 16 applications received were submitted by new communities and organizations, highlighting the growing interest and engagement in the Project Canopy program.

Looking ahead, MFS anticipates offering another round of grants this year, focusing on specific areas of need and emphasis, such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) preparedness or tree maintenance. This strategic approach aims to maximize the impact of the grants and effectively address the challenges that Maine's urban forests face.

A mandatory training session was conducted before the application process to ensure applicants were well-informed and equipped to submit successful proposals. This year, the training was held online, with 45 participants joining. The recorded session on the Project Canopy website [ [link removed] ] provides valuable insights to new and returning applicants.

"The mandatory training session has always been an integral part of our grant process," *added Jan Santerre, Project Canopy Coordinator*. "We are pleased to have successfully transitioned to an online format, which allows broader participation and ensures all applicants are well-prepared to deliver high-quality proposals."

With the invaluable lessons learned from this round of grants, MFS is committed to continuously enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the Project Canopy Assistance Program. By strengthening collaboration and support, the initiative aims to empower communities and organizations to impact Maine's urban forests positively.

For more information about Project Canopy and its grant opportunities, please visit [link removed].

*_2023 Project Canopy Grants_*

_Category: Planning and Education_

*City of Hallowell*
Title: Hallowell Granite City Park Native Ecology Restoration Project
Request: $5,176.00
Summary: Continue efforts to remove invasive plants and restore the ecology of Granite City Park with native plants and inform the public with interpretive materials.

*Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association*
Title: Establishing a Climate Adapted Forest Research and Demo Site
Request: $10,490.00
Summary: Plant climate adapted species and develop educational programming around the use of climate adapted species in Maine

*Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District*
Title: Tenmile River Demonstration Forest Management Plan and Sign Updates
Request: $6,305.00
Summary: Hire a consultant to update management plans and produce new signage for new entry points.

*Portland Parks Conservancy *
Title: Urban Forestry Management Plan
Request: $12,000.00
Summary: Produce a Strategic Urban Forest Plan to help the city manage its tree canopy and plan for its future.

*Town of Warren*?
Title: Forest Management Plan Development for Public Forests in Warren
Request: $4,500.00
Summary: Develop management plans for three town-owned public forests

*University of New England *
Title: Creating an Arboricultural Management Plan for UNE
Request: $9,800.00
Summary: Create a tree plan for the Biddeford and Portland UNE campuses utilizing the inventory conducted under the previous grant.

*Viles Arboretum*
Title: Forest of the Future
Request: $11,575.00
Summary: The "Forest of the Future" project is an innovative new collection currently in development at the Arboretum consisting of three planting sites that showcase key technologies and practices for combating many of the outcomes of climate change, such as species loss/ migration, carbon sequestration, and much more.

_Category: Planting and Maintenance_

*City of Belfast *
Title: New Canopy for Belfast Rail Trail and Downtown
Request: $10,000.00
Summary: Using information from the recent inventory, expand efforts to plant trees along the rail trail and downtown

*City of Auburn*
Title: Tree City USA 20 Years
Request: $8,425.00
Summary: Planting Trees at each of Auburn's schools in commemoration of 20 years as a TC USA

*City of Gardiner*
Title: Greening The Gardiner Common and Waterfront Park
Request: $5,732.00
Summary: complete the final phase of tree replacement in the Gardiner common master plan and replace one tree at the Waterfront Park.

*City of Lewiston*
Title: Replacement Tree Planting
Request: $10,000.00
Summary: Replacement planting for a mature canopy that the city has been unable to keep pace with.

*Inn Along the Way*
Title: Trees Along the Way
Request: $1,245.00
Summary: Planting to replace invasive plants and provide screening.

*Island Heritage Trust*
Title: Lily Pond Park Memorial Nursery
Request: $10,000.00
Summary: Invasive plant removal and development of native plant nursery to stock preserve

*Town of Orono*
Title: Tree Planting in High Density Ash Areas
Request: $3,350.00
Summary: Planting during Arbor Week, where there is currently a high density of ash as street trees.

*Town of Vassalboro*
Title: Street Tree Planting in Eagle Park
Request: $3,200.00
Summary: Restoration of this newly acquired park from invasive plants and replanting with native shade trees.

*Town of Yarmouth*
Title: Trees for All Ages
Request: $10,000.00
Summary: Planting 37 trees in areas of need and engaging local students in the process.

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