Last week the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced the release of its Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants. These grants are offered to municipalities and nonprofit groups in Massachusetts to maximize the social, economic, and environmental quality of communities through enhancing streetscapes and greenery. The funds for the Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants are provided by the USDA Forest Service and the Massachusetts ReLeaf Trust Fund, and are administered by DCR.

Southie Trees and South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation will receive a grant to work with the City of Boston Parks Department and neighborhood residents to assess the health of the trees in South Boston. (According to the state’s website, Mass.gov, the grant is for $5,000.) The process will involve building citizen advocacy, developing an urban forestry management plan, promoting and protecting the livelihood of our community’s greenery, and implementing strategic tree plantings to sustain a thriving ecosystem in the neighborhood.

“DCR’s stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural resources does not stop at the borders of our properties,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Baker-Polito Administration remains committed to assisting our partners throughout the state to maintain and promote the health of all community forests.”

“The Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants provide a vital funding source for municipalities and local non-profit partners to enhance communities through strategic planning and advocacy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “By increasing the tree capacity within a community, residents and businesses will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs, cleaner air and water, a reduction in noise pollution, and the natural beauty trees bring to our neighborhoods.”

“This grant represents a continued commitment by the state and DCR to invest in the South Boston community.” said Rep. Nick Collins. “I would like to thank Commissioner Roy and Secretary Beaton for their commitment to improving the quality of parks, beaches and recreational resources in South Boston and throughout the Commonwealth.” -Press release