ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

Federal Grant Aims At Improving Urban Forestry Resources:

Neil Letson is on a mission.

Letson, urban forestry coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, is trying to encourage Alabama municipal, civic and educational leaders to qualify for federal grant money aimed at improving urban forestry resources.

The Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance program, aims at improving urban forestry and related ecosystems in a variety of ways, such as helping cities chart long-term forestry plans and better managing existing resources.

“These grants can provide communities with lots of opportunities – even at the most basic level of improving the way trees are planted,” Letson says.

In many instances, communities have used the grant money to hire a full-time forester in order to manage resources more effectively.

Birmingham is one such community.  Until a few years ago, the city’s forestry management functions were spread over several departments. Thanks to a federal grant, the city was able to hire a full-time urban forester and consolidate all these functions under his supervision.

The city's decision to hire a full-time forester also enabled it to make further improvements to its Greenscape program, a project aimed at improving the city's overall natural beauty.

“I believe the grant money has enabled Birmingham to develop one of the best urban forestry programs in the Southeast  -- one that will be one of the best in the country in just a few more years,” Letson says.

Another success story is Eufaula, which used the money to hire a forester and to establish an educational arboretum.

To many people, “urban forestry” may seem like a contradiction in terms. But, as Neil Letson explains, it reflects an emerging trend in many parts of the state.

“Alabama is urbanizing,” Letson says.  “As cities expand into what was rural countryside, they are absorbing many forests and natural ecosystems.”

“These new resources have presented municipal leaders with the challenge of managing these resources in a way that enhances the life of the citizens of the community.”

In fact, as many municipal leaders have learned, effective management of these resources not only can improve the quality of life but can even enhance the community's economic profile.

“City leaders already are looking for ways to make their cities attractive and unique in order to attract more business and tourism,” Letson says. “Urban forestry projects are one way this can be done.  In fact, an effective urban forestry program may even play a crucial role in where an industry decides to locate.”

 The Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program is administered by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in conjunction with the Auburn University School for Forestry, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Urban Forestry Association and the U.S. Forest Service.

More than $300,000 is available in Alabama for county and city governments, non-profit organizations and institutions of higher learning.  To qualify, non-profit organizations will have to be a federally exempt 501 C3 or related organization.

While individual grants are limited to $10,000, applicants who seek to hire an urban forester can apply for up to $20,000.

For more information, call Neil Letson at (334) 240-9360.  You also can access the Urban and Community Forestry  website. Applications should be postmarked no later than July 16.

Source: Neil Letson, Alabama Cooperative Extension System urban forestry planning coordinator, (334)240-9360.