AUGUSTA — The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Project Canopy, Maine’s urban and community forestry program led by the Maine Forest Service, has named 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. 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, according to a news release from the agriculture department. “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.

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.

For more information about Project Canopy and its grant opportunities, visit maine.gov.

2023 Project Canopy Grants

Category: Planning and Education

City of Hallowell
Title: Hallowell Granite City Park Native Ecology Restoration Project
Request: $5,176
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
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
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
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
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
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
Summary: The Forest of the Future project is an innovative new collection 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 and carbon sequestration.

Category: Planting and Maintenance

City of Belfast
Title: New Canopy for Belfast Rail Trail and Downtown
Request: $10,000
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
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
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
Summary: Replacement planting for a mature canopy with which the city has been unable to keep pace.

Inn Along the Way
Title: Trees Along the Way
Request: $1,245
Summary: Planting to replace invasive plants and provide screening.

Island Heritage Trust
Title: Lily Pond Park Memorial Nursery
Request: $10,000
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
Summary: Planting during Arbor Week, where there is a high density of ash as street trees.

Town of Vassalboro
Title: Street Tree Planting in Eagle Park
Request: $3,200
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
Summary: Planting 37 trees in areas of need and engaging local students in the process.

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