The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has awarded nearly $17.5 million in grants throughout the state to cities, counties, local districts and non-profit entities that will help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. A total of 23 grant applicants will receive funding to plant nearly 26,000 trees in urban communities and engage residents through planned outreach and education.

“These grant projects go beyond planting trees in urban areas,” said Robert Little, CAL FIRE Urban Forest Program Manager. “It is about sustainability as well. Some of these grant projects also give a second life to dead and diseased urban trees that would otherwise be sent to landfills, and help cities and counties track and better manage the trees that shade and beautify their communities.”

Investing in urban forests through Cap-and-Trade funds, CAL FIRE is continuing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities through the California Climate Investments initiative.

Under the authority of the 1978 Urban Forestry Act, CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry Program helps expand and improve the management of sustainable urban and community forests in California. Trees provide energy conservation, reduce storm-water runoff, soften hardscapes and filter noise, improve local air, soil and water quality, reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, improve public health, provide wildlife habitat and increase property values.

To find a listing of the awarded grant projects, visit the CAL FIRE website, “Urban & Community Forestry Grants” page at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/resource_mgt_urbanforestry_grants.

California Climate Investments are programs funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund using proceeds from the State’s cap-and-trade program.