Community Forest Grants

The Alaska Community Forestry Program offers grants to local governments and nonprofits to assess, inventory, and manage public trees and forests in communities. Cities with current inventories and management plans are eligible for grants to implement those plans. Please contact the Community Forestry office for more information.

2014
Three grants were awarded for implementing current community forest management plans.

1. Sitka will plant trees to replace those lost with construction of the Crescent Harbor Park Seawalk in 2013. They will beautify the downtown walk and picnic areas and help diversify the species planted in Sitka.
2. Soldotna will plant trees and shrubs in Soldotna Park, which is adjacent to the Kenai River and Soldotna Creek, as part of a project to reclaim a former contaminated site. The trees will complement a large rain garden and help reduce the amount of runoff into the creek and river. The seven species of trees (five different genera) and nine species of shrubs will greatly enhance the diversity of species planted by the City. The trees will be planted during a public event on May 17.
3. Wasilla will plant trees and other plants in Iditapark to abate stormwater runoff being treated in ponds created in the park. The plants will beatify a part of the park that is now bare of plants. Teeland Middle School Runoff Rangers will help plant the trees and shrubs.

2013

1. The City and Borough of Sitka completed a street tree inventory and an Urban Forestry Management Plan 7/2013 (PDF)
2. City of Soldotna Parks and Recreation Director received a scholarship to attend the Municipal Forestry Institute in Nebraska in February, 2013