FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 10, 2024
More than $6 million in grant funding is being distributed to groups across Georgia for the planting and care of trees. The Trees Across Georgia (TAG) program, in partnership with the Georgia Forestry Commission and US Forest Service, encourages projects that increase the benefits of tree canopy.
Twenty-three Georgia applicants were chosen to receive financial assistance for projects that include canopy mapping, staffing, inventories, storm planning, and other Urban and Community Forestry undertakings. Two sources of funding made the grants possible; one is Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding that must be used in disadvantaged communities, and the second is non-IRA funding that requires a match.
“The diversity of projects chosen to receive funding represents Georgia’s commitment to conserve and enhance its sustainable forest resources,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “Trees provide so many environmental, health, and economic benefits that support us all. These grants will help to protect and grow tree canopy where it is needed most in GA communities. These grant recipients are acting decisively to increase tree canopy for Georgians of today – and tomorrow.”
Projects chosen for funding range from training high school youth in urban forestry and invasive plant removal to establishing an in-town native food forest and replacing a university parking lot with trees. A complete list of projects and their locations can be found here: https://gatrees.org/urban-community-forestry/trees-across-georgia-tag-grant-program.
For more information about tree planting and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit gatrees.org.