The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants to assist with damage from the July 28, 2021 extreme storm events statewide.
The grants are for tree repair, removal, or replacement within urban areas following a catastrophic storm event for which the Governor has declared a state of emergency. The state defines a catastrophic storm as damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind or tornado but not including insect infestation or disease, forest fire, drought or water saturation due to flooding.
Five communities will receive $104,920 in fiscal year 2022 state grant dollars, with amounts typically ranging from $4,000 to $50,000. In the event of a state of emergency, the program allocates 20% of its available annual funds to communities, nonprofits, and tribes.
Given the recent magnitude and frequency of weather events, other state environmental agencies may find this vehicle for tree replacement funding of interest.
