Urban Forest Resilience Grant Program

The Urban Forest Resilience Grant Program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) through its Urban and Community Forestry Program, with financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The program is designed to support the restoration and long-term health of urban and community forests across Connecticut. DEEP’s mission emphasizes environmental protection, improved public health, and sustainable resource management, and this program aligns with those goals by addressing widespread tree loss caused by invasive pests and diseases such as emerald ash borer, spongy moth, and beech leaf disease. These environmental stressors have significantly impacted urban tree canopies, creating safety hazards and reducing ecological benefits. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that remove dead, declining, or hazardous trees and replace them with new plantings to restore canopy cover and improve species diversity. Eligible activities include tree removal, stump removal, site preparation, and replanting efforts that meet a required minimum replacement ratio of two new trees planted for every one removed. Projects must demonstrate measurable canopy gains and prioritize low-canopy communities where tree cover is insufficient. The program also emphasizes sustainable urban forestry practices, including species diversity, site-appropriate selection, and long-term maintenance planning. Funding is provided as reimbursement-based grants with a maximum award of 30,000 dollars per project and a total program funding pool of 230,000 dollars. A mandatory 50:50 non-federal match is required, which may be fulfilled through cash contributions, in-kind services, or other eligible resources. Administrative costs are limited to 10 percent of the total project budget, and equipment purchases must be justified and cost-effective. Funds cannot be used for expenses incurred prior to contract execution, and reimbursement requires documentation such as invoices or proof of payment. Eligibility is limited to local government entities within the State of Connecticut. Applicants must propose projects conducted entirely on state- or municipally-owned land and must maintain active membership in the Tree Wardens’ Association of Connecticut throughout the grant period. Additional requirements include maintaining a valid SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier at the time of award. Projects must also meet detailed technical requirements, including arborist-certified tree risk assessments, planting plans, species lists, and long-term maintenance strategies. The application process requires submission of a complete grant application in response to the Request for Proposals. Applications must include documentation such as photographs of trees proposed for removal, contractor estimates, arborist assessments, and detailed project plans. Public engagement is also required, including at least two public meetings, one prior to implementation and one upon project completion. Applications that fail to meet formatting, eligibility, or completeness requirements will not be considered. Applications are due on August 3, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions may be submitted until July 15, 2026, with responses published by July 22, 2026. Award notifications are expected around October 14, 2026, and funded projects must be completed by January 1, 2028. Projects are evaluated by a panel of DEEP reviewers using criteria such as scope, approach, timeline, budget, and community support, as well as technical considerations related to tree planting, removal, and long-term impact. For inquiries, applicants may contact Erin Alvey via email. The program operates as a one-time funding opportunity tied to a specific funding cycle, though similar programs may be offered in future years depending on funding availability. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong planning, measurable outcomes, and meaningful community engagement, ensuring that urban forest restoration efforts deliver lasting environmental and public health benefits.

Ensure strong alignment between scope, budget, and timeline; prioritize low-canopy areas; demonstrate measurable canopy gains; include detailed species diversity and maintenance plans