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The DEEP forestry grants aim "to encourage tree planting and tree management best practices in communities across the state," according to a press release. DEEP also designated 19 communities as a Tree City USA for their commitment to tree care during the past year, including Ridgefield.
The Town of Ridgefield will receive $3,250 for the "What Kind of Tree Should I Plant?" project.
"Ridgefield will develop a booklet to be widely distributed that will help people reach an answer to the question as to what kind of tree should they plant," representatives said in the release.
Grants were awarded to Bridgeport, Essex, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hartford, New Britain, North Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stratford, Waterford and West Haven.
“Through these grants we are encouraging scenic beauty and healthy eco-systems in our communities,” said DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee. “These grants also support the work and recommendations of the state Vegetative Management Task Force and Governor Malloy’s Two Storm Panel by ensuring that we plant the ‘right trees’ in the ‘right places,’ that urban trees are properly pruned and managed, and that we continue to provide a foundation for coordination and communication among local tree wardens, residents, and the electric utility companies.”
In addition to the 19 communities receiving Tree City USA designations, the University of Connecticut earned the designation of being Connecticut’s first Tree Campus USA.
“The standards of Tree City and Tree Campus USA set a high bar. We are pleased that we have communities that have been able to demonstrate their strong commitment to urban trees and the improvement in the quality of life that trees bring,” said Chris Martin, DEEP’s Director of Forestry. “UConn and each of these 19 communities should be very proud of what they have accomplished.”
Stamford and Fairfield have been Tree Cities USA the longest, each having been so designated for 26 years.
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