No, the goals of the program are the same throughout the state, and community tree planting and streamside buffer plantings will be part of all programs. But the players involved will vary, and the way the program is implemented will also vary accordingly.  A leadership team will be assembled in each region, including county and city planners and forestry personnel, local DCNR foresters and recreation and parks staff, the local PSU Extension urban forester, and other local conservation and economic development groups.  The team will work with DCNR Harrisburg personnel to develop the best program delivery strategy to meet the needs of the region.

Yes, DCNR has provided separate funding for the programs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh from that for the effort outside of those two regions. A full time program director is in place in the two largest metropolitan areas of the state, and each regional program has developed its own website separate from the state site.  Pittsburgh's TreeVitalize site is located at http://www.paconserve.org/216/treevitalize

In some areas grants will be offered to communities to plant trees; in other areas plant material will be provided directly. The program involves a combination of trees, technical assistance, education and funding to support tree planting in  neighborhoods (street and park trees) and along streams (forest buffers). However, collaboration will not be limited to planting trees. The partnership will foster discussion and regional dialogue and collaboration around broader policies and best practices that affect tree cover in the region.

In order to plant trees in ways that have a measurable impact, investments must be targeted and strategic. Based on the input of stakeholders, the two types of planting sites were identified as priorities: older communities with a lack of tree canopy cover, and streams in need of forested buffers.

In urbanized areas larger trees will be planted along residential and commercial streets, in parks and on other public lands. Community groups will match tree grants or trees supplied with cash and in-kind services from volunteers, municipal employees, contractors or a combination.

Tree seedlings will be planted along open streams to establish forested buffers, in partnership with county conservation districts, local watershed organizations, and others. Other funding will support educational programs for citizens and municipal staff, and technical assistance to ensure planting success.

With private contributions, the hope is to also offer rebates to property owners for the purchase of trees at participating nurseries.

For the application process in the Philadelphia or Pittsburgh regions, see their websites: Pittsburgh. For other metropolitan areas, contact is the Bureau of Forestry Urban Forestry Program Coordinator at eroane@state.pa.us for further direction. Please note the dates by which funds are expected to be available in each region at TreeVitalize In Your Area

Tree canopy cover ranges from as low as 1% in some of the most blighted urban areas to more than 50% in outlying parts of the metropolitan areas. Please see the maps section for the canopy cover of your area. The maps were developed by DCNR combining tree canopy data from US Forest Service and USGS, with US Census data identifying “metropolitan areas” and “urbanized” tracts within each metropolitan area. American Forests recommends large metropolitan areas located in the northeastern US set a goal of 40% tree cover.

This partnership will not fund land acquisition. DCNR, several counties and local governments have existing programs that fund land acquisitions.

TreeVitalize does encourage individuals to help increase tree cover by planting trees at home. If private funding is available, homeowners may qualify for a rebate when they plant a tree on their property. Watch this website for updates on that possibility.

We agree that maintenance helps trees live longer which increases tree cover. TreeVitalize will sponsor multiple education and training activities to promote best practices in tree planting and care for both existing trees and new trees. The Tree Tender program is designed to educate community residents. Other sessions will assist municipal officials and Main Street managers.

As of summer 2008, TreeVitalize has planted over 20,000 large shade trees and restored nearly 300 acres of forested riparian buffer. Over 2,600 people have attended Tree Tender classes and have volunteered to plant trees in neighborhoods.