Tree Planting Cost-Share

PROJECT DESCRIPTION - Provide a description of the project, what problem it will solve or explain its purpose. Any additional attachments that you wish to include with the one-page application are welcome and encouraged.

VOLUNTEERS - The use of volunteers, both individual citizens and organizations, is an important part of the Urban & Community Forestry (U&CF) program. In order to qualify for tree planting funds, you MUST have volunteers involved in the project. Some examples are: FFA Chapters, 4-H Clubs, Master Gardeners, student organizations, garden clubs, tree boards, civic organizations, non-profit groups, etc.

FUNDS – This is a 50/50 cost-share grant. Grant funds must be matched equally, or exceeded, with non-federal cash funds. For example, if you are requesting $1,000, you must match the $1,000 grant request with at least $1,000 in local cash funds, for a total project expenditure of $2,000. This year the minimum that can be requested is $1,000 and the maximum request is $10,000. A successful grant recipient must utilize both the funds requested as well as the local match shown on the application in order to receive U&CF grant funds. Requests for payments less than the amount applied for will not be accepted. Local matching funds for the tree planting grants category must be a cash match. Plan your project funding carefully. Materials such as mulch, protective fencing, staking, and tree irrigation can be included in the total project cost.

LAND OWNERSHIP - All tree planting grant funded projects must be on nonfederal publicly owned property. Some examples are community gateways, greenways, urban riparian areas, and along streets on public rights-of-way. (Be cautious of utilities and widening of streets in the last example). 

MAINTENANCE - You will be required to provide extra care and maintenance for a minimum of 5 years to ensure proper establishment of the trees. Watering, mulching, monitoring for insect and disease problems and protection from wildlife damage and lawn equipment damage are necessary to insure a successful planting. This includes keeping an area around the base of the tree free of competing grass and weeds. List on the application who or what agency will be responsible for at least five years of project maintenance. 

TREES - Trees purchased and used under this matching grant must have a shape and be a minimum of 1 ½ inches in caliper (evergreens must be a minimum of 4 feet in height). While grant funds must be used for single stem trees, a portion of the local match (20%) may be used for shrubs. Only high-quality nursery stock should be used and trees purchased must meet the specifications of the ANSI Z60.1-2014 American Standard for Nursery Stock. A copy of the American Standard for Nursery Stock can be obtained by contacting the Wyoming State Forestry Division or by going to the American Horticulture Industry Association website at: 

https://www.americanhort.org/education/american-nursery-stock-standards/

PLANTING - All trees must be planted in accordance with proper modern tree planting techniques. Proper irrigation and mulching are critical to insure good health and survival of new plantings. When selecting your planting areas consider the type of soil in relation to the tree’s growing requirements. Proper planting and maintenance specifications will be provided to applicants that receive funding. All trees must be mulched in order to ensure healthy root growth and to protect the new trees from mower and weed trimmer damage. The mulch layer should consist of wood chips or similar material. The mulch should be between 2 and 4 inches deep and extend to at least a 3-foot diameter around the base of the tree.

PHOTOS - You are required to submit photographs of the project site with the application. Photos should be high quality resolution (see photo requirements). If your application is approved for funding, color photographs of the actual planting will also be required with the project report. For additional information on pictures see the PHOTO REQUIREMENTS sheet. These photos are an important component of a report that is distributed to all those responsible for continued funding of this program.

SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT - Successful grant applicants will be required to sign a sub-recipient agreement outlining the requirements of this grant program.

PROJECT COMPLETION – If a project is funded, a PROJECT REPORT/REQUEST FOR PAYMENT form with color photographs taken during the planting or of the completed project must be submitted to the Wyoming State Forestry Division for payment. This form will be provided to applicants who receive grant funding. Grant funds will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis upon receipt of this documentation. All projects must be completed and the Request for Payment form MUST be received by September 26, 2025.

SOME EVALUATION CRITERIA INCLUDES

• How the project will have a positive environmental or economic impact on the community

• How the project improves the overall condition of the community forest 

• Potential for the project to inspire additional tree planting in the community

• Involvement of the community in the development or implementation of the project

• Development of partnerships or the leveraging of funds

• Demonstration of commitment to long term maintenance

• Feasibility of project budget for proposed activities

• Appropriateness of the site conditions for tree planting

• How well the applicant has completed and maintained previous grant projects

• New and innovative planting projects that increase public awareness of community trees

Preference may be given to:

• Applicants who have not recently received a Community Forestry grant 

• Projects in communities that are currently Tree City USA certified

• Projects in communities that have a local tree board or similar organization

INFORMATION 

If you have any questions, please contact Jacob Mares at (307)777-3626 or email Jacob.mares@wyo.gov. 

As required by federal regulations, sub-recipients are required to have an audit done in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-133 should they expend more than $750,000 in total of federal assistance from any funding or pass-through agency.

Each year as part of your grant application and request for reimbursement, you are asked to submit pictures of your project. These photos are then used to prepare a detailed report which we submit to those involved with continued funding of this program. In order to have quality reproduction of your photos, please follow these guidelines:

Tree Planting Project: Digital Photo Requirements

1. Photo Quality

   • Images must be clear, well-lit, and in focus.

   • Photos should be in high resolution (minimum 300 dpi or 1920 x 1080 pixels).

2. Photo Format

   • Accepted file formats: JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.

   • Files should not exceed 10MB in size.

3. Required Shots

   • Before Planting: A wide-angle shot of the planting area, showing the ground and surrounding environment.

   • During Planting: A close-up photo of the tree planting process (e.g., digging, planting, or watering).

   • After Planting: A photo of the planted tree, showing its location in the landscape.

4. Additional Photos

   • Optional but encouraged: Photos of volunteers, community engagement, or any special project milestones.

5. File Naming

   • Name each photo with the following format:
     ProjectName_Community_Date_Description.jpg (e.g., TreePlanting_Cheyenne_2024-11-13_Before.jpg)

6. Submission

   • Photos must be submitted with project report/request for reimbursement by September 26, 2025.