Wolf Administration Announces TreeVitalize Grants Available

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Applications are being accepted for grants to help restore tree cover across Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced today.

"Launched on Arbor Day 2004 in Philadelphia, TreeVitalize efforts already have planted more than 350,000 shade trees in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other cities and communities," Dunn said. "With today's announcement of grant opportunities, those benefits will be extended across the state and residents hopefully will enjoy them in every county."

This year applications will be considered in three funding categories: tree planting, urban riparian buffers or community forestry management. One applicant can seek grants in all three categories, however only one can be approved during each grant term.

Secretary Dunn noted a House GOP-proposed budget could have possible negative effects on future DCNR funding of TreeVitalize and other grant-based department programs.

TreePennsylvania, formerly Pennsylvania Urban & Community Forestry Council, administers the statewide TreeVitalize grant program. Funding is provided to communities to promote and develop sustainable urban forestry programs within Pennsylvania.

Applications are being accepted through 4 p.m. Aug. 15, and must be submitted via email to Development and Grants Coordinator Jessica Cavey, [email protected]. To apply for a grant or learn more about the application process, visit https://treepennsylvania.org/.

Funded through DCNR's Bureau of Forestry grants and municipal, private agency and company involvement, and overseen by the Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council, TreeVitalize is dependent on community support to increase tree canopies across the state, and educate and engage citizens in the care and selection of these new trees.

Tree Pennsylvania is a state-wide, non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the growing forests throughout Pennsylvania's urban landscape.

MEDIA CONTACT: Terry Brady, 717-705-2225; [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources