Urban Tree Canopy Initiative to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay

(July 5, 2015 – Richmond, Virginia) The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, through a joint venture with the Virginia Department of Forestry, announces a request for proposals for the development of the Richmond Urban Tree Canopy Initiative to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay by planting trees in our neighborhoods and communities and along riparian buffers. Projects will include tree planting activities of all types: riparian buffer tree planting; community and neighborhood tree plantings; urban orchards, and turf to trees.

Eligible localities include the Richmond Area Planning District Commission: the counties of Goochland, Hanover, New Kent, Powhatan, Henrico, Charles City and Chesterfield; the City of Richmond City, and the Town of Ashland. Grants may be awarded to local units of government, approved non-profit organizations, community civic organizations, educational institutions or private citizens. Winning proposals will demonstrate the merit of the project and how the trees will be maintained in perpetuity. The objective is to use on-the-ground accomplishments to obtain clean water in the Chesapeake Bay. Funding is available on a 70/30 match basis. All proposals must meet a minimum $1,000 requirement and in-kind match, including volunteer time, is permissible.

Grants are awarded to encourage local government and citizen involvement in creating and supporting long-term and sustained canopy cover. Proposed projects are to be completed in the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016.

“The Alliance is proud to partner with Altria Group and the Virginia Department of Forestry to help localities reach their urban tree canopy goals,” said Al Todd, the Alliance’s Executive Director. “These projects will help meet goals in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement and improve local water and air quality, habitat for wildlife, as well as the overall aesthetics throughout urban areas in the Richmond region.”

Barbara White of the VDOF stated, “When planting trees in our communities, we often focus on one benefit such as improving water quality, but trees are the ultimate multi-tasker as they simultaneously provide a multitude of benefits. Sometimes we need to do what’s right, for people we will never meet; Plant a tree ~ Forest for the Future.”[title class=”acb-page-content-subtitle ” ]Additional Resources