The Baker-Polito administration announced $140,270 in 2019 Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants to 14 municipalities, including Athol, Deerfield and Montague.
The grants will assist the communities as local officials seek to maximize the social, economic and environmental benefits of increased tree canopies within their communities.
For Montague, $2,000 will be going towards the Montague Wood Bank improvement project.
For Deerfield, $4,800 will go towards the Deerfield strategic tree planting and environmental education.
For Athol, the award of $2,000 for the Community Wood Bank.
The 2019 Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants, which range from $2,000 to $20,000, will assist in the following key areas: building and strengthening citizen advocacy, creating a community wood bank, developing and adopting tree and forest ordinances and policies, developing and implementing an urban forestry management plan, and completing strategic community tree plantings and “Heritage Tree” care projects.
“Healthy, green and accessible open spaces are an essential component of the public’s well-being and our administration is proud to continue partnering with local municipalities and non-profit groups to ensure that trees and parks remain a priority,” said Gov. Charlie Baker in a released statement. “The Greening the Gateway Communities Program and Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants provide important resources for local officials focused on doing their part to strengthen and enhance tree canopies across the Commonwealth.”