FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 4, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that $1,688,132 will go to 16 organizations or communities across Kentucky to plant trees, hire foresters and increase public awareness of the benefits of urban forestry, especially in underserved and disadvantaged communities throughout the commonwealth.
“Kentucky’s natural beauty is an important part of our culture and high quality of life,” said Gov. Beshear. “As we welcome more people to our new Kentucky home, it’s important to provide natural spaces within our urban areas and opportunities for our children to learn about the benefits of our forests and the importance of sustainability. We’re also improving the health and wellbeing of our people through cleaner air and water and reduced noise.”
Funding is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF). As part of the Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding will benefit underserved and disadvantaged communities across the commonwealth. Awards range from $19,075 to $250,000. No matching funds are required.
“These projects represent Kentucky’s commitment to taking an active role in conserving and enhancing our community forest resources,” said State Forester Brandon Howard. “Trees provide a multitude of environmental, health, social and economic benefits that support us all.”
Kentucky’s program encourages projects that increase access to trees and green spaces and increase awareness about the many benefits they provide. Because several projects involve an expanded area, more than 21 communities across 53 counties will benefit from the projects.
A complete list of projects and their locations can be found here.
They include:
- 3,338 trees planted;
- 34 tree wells/soil cells created;
- 50 declining or hazardous trees removed;
- Nine urban forestry or greenspace plans created, covering over 2,302 acres;
- 266 educational events;
- 43 community events; and
- 55 jobs created or supported.
Last year, Gov. Beshear announced $3.75 million to help those in Western Kentucky evaluate and re-establish trees and forestland damaged by the 2021 tornado outbreak. Activities such as forest health assessments, forest pest treatments, invasive species control, reforestation and community tree planting efforts are ongoing.
With the Governor’s support, Team Kentucky also continues to assist communities in re-establishing their tree canopy after natural disasters through Community Tree Recovery tree distribution events. In 2023, KDF in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, State Farm and UK Extension distributed 1,500 trees in Eastern Kentucky to aid in flood recovery. In coordination with the Southern Group of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service, KDF offered the “Managing Urban Canopies for Disaster” workshop aimed at assisting cities and municipalities plan for storm debris management.
KDF continues to support and expand Kentucky’s Arbor Day Foundation Recognition Programs (Tree City USA, Tree Campus and Tree Line USA). These recognition programs encourage and celebrate cities, schools and industries’ dedication to improving communities through trees. As of 2023, nearly 26% of Kentuckians lived in Tree City USA communities.
For more information about the Kentucky Division of Forestry, visit eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/Pages/default.aspx.
