Will the partnership provide grants for urban forestry projects?

The partnership will provide a combination of plant materials, technical assistance, education and funding to support tree planting in older 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.

What kind of tree planting projects will the partnership fund- street tree planting, tree care, planning studies, etc.?

In order to plant trees in ways that have a measurable impact, investments must be targeted and strategic. Based on the input of stakeholders in the region, two priorities were identified. TreeVitalize Neighborhoods works in partnership with older communities with low tree cover to plant trees along pedestrian-oriented residential and commercial streets, in parks and on other public lands. Each neighborhood will receive 150 large trees and will “match” this tree donation with tree installation services—volunteers, municipal employees, contractors or combination. TreeVitalize Watersheds works in partnership with county conservation districts and others to plant trees in riparian areas (along streams) and source water protection areas. Other funding will support education programs, technical assistance and special projects of regional significance.

What is the application process for TreeVitalize Neighborhoods?

Neighborhoods were selected in Spring 2005 and 2006. If additional funding is available, new applications will be sought.

What is the application process for TreeVitalize Watersheds?

TreeVitalize Watersheds used a limited RFP process to identify approximately 5-10 agencies/organizations with sufficient capacity to coordinate forested buffer projects at multiple sites over a three year period. Six organizations have been selected: Fairmount Park Commission, Delaware County Conservation District, Montgomery County Conservation District, Chester County Conservation District, Bucks County Conservation District and Stroud Center. Others wishing to implement forest buffer projects should contact these organizations for assistance.

Do we know what the existing tree cover is? What should it be?

Overall tree cover for the five county region is 27%, but ranges from less than 1% to over 60% in some municipalities. DCNR used tree canopy data from US Forest Service and USGS to develop maps and tables to show tree cover by local municipality, by census tract and by watershed. See www.treevitalize.net for a map of tree cover by municipality. American Forests recommends large metropolitan areas located in the northeastern US set a goal of 40% tree cover.

One of the biggest causes of the loss of tree cover is new development. Will the partnership fund acquisition of forested lands?

This partnership will not fund land acquisition. DCNR, several counties and local governments have existing programs that fund land acquisitions. The Growing Greener II bond provides $100 million over four years for land conservation. However, TreeVitalize will disseminate tree cover data that could be used to guide state and local land acquisition programs.

Will the partnership fund tree planting on private land?

TreeVitalize does encourage individuals to help increase tree cover by planting trees at home. Homeowners can qualify for up to a $25 rebate when they plant a tree on their property. See www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org for details.

Many programs fund planting, but ignore maintenance and care of mature trees. Will this be addressed?

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.

What has TreeVitalize accomplished so far?

As of summer 2006, TreeVitalize has planted over 7,600 large shade trees and restored 104 acres of forested riparian buffer. Over 1,400 people have attended Tree Tender classes and over 1,700 have volunteered to plant trees in neighborhoods.