TreeVitalize Streams
(All other areas in the state)

Riparian Buffer Reimbursements

TreeVitalize is offering $1 per tree reimbursement opportunity to watershed groups, conservation groups and county conservation districts that have installed riparian buffer plantings. Funding is still available through the TreeVitalize Riparian Buffer Reimbursement Program!

Last year DCNR, in partnership with Pennsylvania Community Forests, reimbursed watershed groups and Conservation Districts over $16,000 for tree plantings as part of the Department’s TreeVitalize program.

At $1 per tree, that meant a lot of trees that went into the ground! This year we hope to do even better and encourage you to apply for this year’s round of reimbursements. The process is simple. Think of how handy those extra dollars will be!

Please note

All counties are eligible for the reimbursement funding except Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, which are eligible for funding through "TreeVitalize Watersheds".

For each planting, a brief report is required, including:

1. Property owner name(s) and contact information
2. GPS location(s)
3. Watershed(s) involved
4. Number of TREES planted and species mix (shrubs are ineligible for TreeVitalize reimbursement)
5. Date(s) planted
6. Attach planting plan(s)
7. Attach copy of nursery invoice
8. Photos

Reimbursement requests will be accepted until further notice

At that time requests will be reviewed and honored as funding availability permits.

Additional Information:

• Only Conservation Districts and Watershed groups can submit for funding.
• Only one payment will be made to the respected “District” and/or “Group” for the total number of trees planted per planting season. Reimbursement or compensation to others whose plantings were included in the report would be at the discretion of the conservation district and watershed group.
• Plantings on public lands will be considered higher priority, but projects on private land will also be accepted. Projects funded through CREP and other federal cost share programs are not eligible for reimbursement.

Please submit your TreeVitalize Riparian Buffer Reimbursement Requests to:

Christine Ticehurst
DCNR Bureau of Forestry
400 Market Street, 6th FL
Harrisburg, PA 17105

*TreeVitalize Southeast Watershed includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Conservation Districts located within that region are eligible for funding through separate funds available through the PA Horticultural Society. Contact Michael Leff at 215-988-8800 or www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/home/index.html

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has partnered with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to offer full-day and half-day riparian buffer trainings throughout the TreeVitalize Metros Areas. For information on riparian buffer trainings in your area, please contact Donna Morelli with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay at 717-737-8622 x 13 or dmorelli@acb-online.org