USDA Forest Grant Given to City

Posted: October 5, 2023 in City News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Decorah Street Department

Press Contact: Jeremy Bril, City Engineer, 563-382-2157

City of Decorah Secures $630,000 Grant from USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program

Decorah, Iowa (October 5, 2023) – The City of Decorah is excited to announce its successful grant application to the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, resulting in a substantial award of $630,000. This grant marks a pivotal moment in the city’s dedication to preserving and enhancing urban green spaces.

Over the next five years, the grant funds will be strategically allocated to various projects, in collaboration with valued partners including Trees Forever, Decorah Tree Board, Decorah Jobs, Inc., and Winneshiek County Conservation. Key focus areas for this grant include:

  1. Tree Trimming and Pruning: With a commitment to maintaining the health and safety of our urban forest, funds will support extensive tree trimming and pruning of boulevard trees across the city.
  2. New Tree Plantings: A portion of the grant will be dedicated to planting new trees, enriching the urban landscape and contributing to improved air quality and aesthetics.
  3. Tree Inventory: The grant will enable the city to carry out a comprehensive tree inventory, providing valuable data for informed management decisions and future planning.
  4. Community Engagement and Education: Decorah values community involvement, and we are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of our urban trees. The grant will support various educational programs and initiatives to engage residents in tree care and environmental stewardship.

City Engineer Jeremy Bril expressed his appreciation for the grant, saying, “This grant is a testament to our commitment to preserving our urban forest resources. We are grateful for the support of the USDA Forest Service and our dedicated project partners. This grant also allows us to leverage the city’s Public Tree Utility Management Fee, more than quadrupling the impact of these funds.”

Bril also extended his gratitude to City Forester Sam Hogenson, acknowledging his invaluable efforts in securing the grant. “Sam’s tireless work on this grant has been instrumental in bringing these funds to Decorah. His expertise and dedication to our urban forestry initiatives is truly commendable.”

 

This is an official city press release.  Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of the author.  Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication.

 

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