WET HELPS SECURE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT FROM THE USDA WITH BUTTE-SILVER BOW COUNTY

Recently, Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service would be awarding a significant sum of over $1 billion in competitive grants. This financial support is intended to encourage tree planting and maintenance, address the challenges posed by extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to natural spaces in urban areas.

At WET, we’re very proud to partner with our community. Recently, some of our very own employee owners played a role in helping our partners at Butte-Silver Bow (BSB) to secure an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the USDA. Working closely with the BSB grant writing team and Urban Forestry professionals, our community partnership prepared and was awarded a sizeable grant. The great news is BSB is one of only two communities in Montana to receive this grant! WET’s grant writing team worked in collaboration with BSB to prepare a grant application, and BSB took the package to completion. The result of this collaboration was BSB was awarded an impressive $145,000.00 towards tree planting and maintenance, as well as planning and community development.

Now, let’s discuss the purpose and objectives of this grant. Urban and Community Forestry Grants are financial assistance programs offered by various government agencies, organizations, and foundations. They aim to support projects that enhance the management and sustainability of trees and forests in urban and community settings. Typically, these grants focus on activities that boost the health, vitality, and resilience of trees in cities, towns, and populated areas. Common goals of these grants include:

• Planting and maintaining trees
• Engaging in education and outreach
• Conducting tree inventory and assessment
• Promoting research and innovation
• Implementing tree protection measures
• Developing green infrastructure
• Managing and caring for urban forests

In the case of BSB, the grant funds will be directed toward the Stodden Park Hazard Tree Abatement and Sustainable Urban Reforestation Project. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of Stodden Park by removing high-risk trees that pose a danger to park-goers and nearby residences. Following the tree removal, the city plans to replant the area with a diverse selection of native tree species. Additionally, the project will include community outreach and educational events designed to encourage active participation and provide insights into tree planting and maintenance practices.

We couldn’t be prouder of our partnership with BSB and the exceptional achievement by all of our team members in securing this funding. These funds will have a profoundly positive impact on our community. Winning this $145,000.00 grant not only reflects the dedication of all of the partners, but also showcases how important collaboration is when completing planning and community development projects. It’s a testament to what can be accomplished when passionate individuals unite for a common cause.

Congratulations to the entire grant writing team for winning this large grant award. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the positive transformations this grant will bring to our community. This achievement exemplifies the spirit of Butte and exemplifies how the WET/BSB partnership is committed to making a meaningful difference in the community.

For more information on how WET can assist you, your business, or your community visit our grant writing services page!