PIERRE — Funding for new community forestry projects is available through the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources’  2024 Community Forestry Grant program.

Interested parties must submit applications and accompanying documentation to DANR’s Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry by Oct. 4. Communities, tribes, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applications must follow grant program guidelines.

The Community Forestry Grant program helps communities solve specific community forestry problems or demonstrate the importance of trees and urban forests. Grant funds must be used for trees or tree management on public land or in public right of ways. Funds can also be used for professional services, tree inventories and assessments, existing tree care and maintenance, urban food forests, training and education, and new tree plantings.

Applicants must provide an equivalent match for all funds awarded. Match may be cash or in-kind contributions.

For more information, contact John Hartland at 605-933-9650 or John.Hartland@state.sd.us.