Grants are available to schools and local governments wishing to develop forestry programs. The Division of Sovereign Lands and Forestry of the Utah Department of Natural Resources administers the cost-share grants.
Schools may apply for up to $1,000 to develop outdoor education classrooms on or near public school properties. Examples of eligible projects include preparing a plan for an outdoor classroom, planting native vegetation for interpretation, creating wetlands or other similar undertakings. Beautification projects are not eligible.Cities, towns and other local governmental entities can apply for up to $3,000 to develop community forestry programs. Examples of projects include creating a community tree-management master plan, obtaining tree maintenance equipment, publishing information on urban tree management or other similar endeavors.
Each school or government entity must match the grant with 50 percent cash or in-kind contributions. Grant applications from governments and schools are due by Sept. 23.
Call Tony Dietz at (801)-538-5555 or write to 3 Triad Center, Suite 425, Salt Lake City, UT 84180-1204 for information and applications. Applications may be faxed to (801)-533-4111.