Hartford Forestry Projects Receive Significant State Funds

HARTFORD, CT — Officials with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recently announced more than $950,000 in grants to support urban tree canopy projects across the state, with several major awards going to programs in Hartford.

The funding comes through the agency’s Urban and Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grant Program and will support nine projects led by municipalities and nonprofit organizations statewide.

The projects are intended to expand tree cover in neighborhoods with limited canopy while supporting urban forestry work such as tree planting and maintenance, community outreach, and workforce training.

Funding for the program was made available through the Inflation Reduction Act.

“These grants invest in communities across Connecticut — from our urban neighborhoods to our rural towns — by expanding tree canopy where it’s needed most,” said Katie Dykes, commissioner of DEEP.

Dykes said the funding supports Gov. Ned Lamont’s goal of increasing tree cover by 5 percent in environmental justice communities and helps address climate-related challenges, including heat, pollution, and stormwater runoff.

Hartford projects

Three projects in Hartford received a combined $431,866 in grant funding.

The nonprofit KNOX, Inc. was awarded $189,406 for a program that will plant and maintain 100 shade trees at properties operated by the Hartford Housing Authority.

The initiative also includes paid apprenticeships to train residents in tree planting and care.

The City of Hartford received $147,725 to plant 175 trees across four city parks and create “Learning Groves,” spaces designed for community-based environmental education.

City officials said the project will help advance the “3-30-300 Rule,” a global urban forestry guideline that encourages neighborhoods to reach 30 percent tree canopy, ensure residents can see at least three trees from their homes, and provide access to a green space within 300 meters.

The Keney Park Sustainability Project received $94,735 to expand its Urban Wood Utilization and Community Forestry Program.

The program aims to divert 60,000 to 70,000 board feet of wood from removed or fallen trees each year from landfills by repurposing it for community uses.

The initiative also includes a 400-tree nursery, planting 100 trees in areas vulnerable to extreme heat, and workforce training for two to three apprentices annually.

New grant program planned

State officials also announced plans for a new Resilient Forestry Practices Grant Program aimed at rural communities.

The program will support municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents and federally recognized tribal nations in implementing forest management practices on municipal or tribal lands with existing forest management plans.

Officials said the work could improve air and water quality, support wildlife habitat, and strengthen sustainable timber management while providing recreational and economic benefits.

As a result, DEEP is seeking feedback from potential applicants through a request for information survey open through March 13. That can be given at this link.

For more information on the program and a list of all recipients, click on this link.