TDA Awards TAEP Community Tree Planting Grants

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recently awarded more than $252,000 in Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program forestry grants. The grants will assist cities and towns in maintaining and increasing their tree resource.

“Our urban forests are an important resource and, managed properly, can help reduce heat buildup, control storm water and improve the quality of life in our urban environment,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “This program is making a difference by helping our cities and communities maximize the benefit of this vital and often underutilized resource.”

Funded through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, the grants are awarded as cost shares, with recipients funding half the cost of the projects. The grants were approved after review by state urban forestry officials and the state forester. Urban forestry grants are used by cities, communities and non-profit organizations.

The goal of the TAEP Community Tree Planting Grants is to increase the tree resource base in cities and towns across Tennessee. Trees in urban environments can aid economic development efforts and help with air quality, heat island effect, storm water retention, water quality and aesthetics. All trees funded by the grants are planted on public land.

“Tennessee is a forested state and this natural resource is just as important to our developed areas as it is to our countryside,” said Givens. “We’re glad to provide these grants to improve urban forestry management in communities across the state.”

TAEP is a state funded program established by Governor Phil Bredesen and supported by the General Assembly to increase farm income and improve rural communities in Tennessee by helping landowners invest in better farming and forestry practices.