Summary:
The Office of Sustainability and Families, Parks and Recreation, are requesting approval to:
1. Submit a 2016 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program Application, and
2. Authorize the Mayor and the CAO to sign the City's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Resolution.
The Office of Sustainability and FPR have jointly administered the One Person, One Tree program since November 2015. The program’s ambitious goal is to plant 40,000 trees by 2019. In 2015, the City of Orlando was awarded $20,000 from the USDA Forest Service for trees and tree planting costs. At that time, it was identified that in order to meet the 2019 goal, the City would need to seek funding for additional program support.
The NUCF grant provides funds to organizations to develop or enhance their urban and community forestry programs. As part of the 2016 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant program (Local Government Development and Improvement Category), the Office of Sustainability is requesting $20,000 for a one year, full-time Citizen Forester Program Coordinator position, which will perform, City-wide, essential outreach, education and program development. This position will also facilitate much needed tree planting events and tree related activities.
NUCF grant awards are made as 50-50 matching grants to local governments and non-profits. A total of $20,000 in matching funds will be provided by the Parks Division. Total program cost is $40,000.
An executed resolution will also be included with the application. |