Community Forestry Grant (SD)

The Community Forestry Grant (SD) aims to enhance urban tree cover and forest maintenance through educational programs, financial assistance, and technical support. Awarded by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, grants up to $5,000 are available for local governments and eligible nonprofits. This initiative promotes awareness of tree benefits, encourages sustainable practices, and implements tree planting programs to improve air quality and combat climate change.

NOTE: Grant applications will be accepted at any time during the year. Applications will only be considered in the current or upcoming grant round dependent on the date of your application. The annual grant round will begin September 1st each year and will be open for approximately 1 month.
Purpose
The specific purposes of Urban and Community Forestry Assistance include:
Improve understanding of the benefits of preserving existing tree cover in urban areas and communities.Encourage owners of private residences and commercial properties to maintain trees and expand forest cover on their properties.Provide education programs and technical assistance to state and local organizations (including community associations and schools) in maintaining forested lands and individual trees in urban and community settings and identifying appropriate tree species and sites for expanding forest cover.Provide financial assistance through competitive matching grants awarded to local units of government or approved non-profit organizations that meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.Implement a tree planting program to complement urban and community tree maintenance and open space programs to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, conserve energy, and improve air quality in addition to providing other environmental benefits.Establish demonstration projects in selected urban and community settings to illustrate the benefits of maintaining trees and creating forest cover.Enhance the technical skills and understanding of:sound tree maintenance and arboricultural practices involving the cultivation of trees, shrubs, and complementary ground covers.individuals involved in the planning, development, and maintenance of urban and community forests and trees.Expand existing research and educational efforts to improve the understanding of tree growth and maintenance, tree physiology and morphology, species adaptations, and forest ecology.Emphasize the value of integrating trees and ground covers; the economic, environmental, social, and psychological benefits of trees and forest cover in urban and community environments; and the role of trees in conserving energy and mitigating urban “heat islands.”
Funding
An applicant may only receive a maximum of $5,000 per year for the grant. The community or service organization must match Community Forestry grants.