Photo: rbkomar / Moment / Getty Images
(Undated) -- Iowans are still trying to replace the millions of trees destroyed during the 2020 derecho. The state is offering tree planting grants up to $10,000 for local governments and non-profit groups, planting trees on public lands. Applicants must be from 27 Iowa counties covered under the 2020 derecho disaster proclamation.
Iowa DNR Community Disaster Coordinator, Ellie Jones says applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3rd.
The Community Forestry Grant Program entails $250,000 in funds are available to state and local governments, schools and volunteer organizations, and service organizations in the 27 impacted counties.
Award recipients will be reimbursed $500 to $10,000 and are not required to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match to purchase trees and planting materials. Qualifying public planting lands include, but are not limited to, street rights-of-way, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries, and trails (DNR lands are not eligible).
The spring application and rules are available online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbanforestry. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025.