Application Deadline:
Proposals for Fall 2009 Planting are due: July 1, 2009.

Preface:
TreeVitalize Metros is a partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), PA Community Forests, Penn State Cooperative Extension and local communities. The goal of the program is to help revitalize urban communities by increasing tree cover. Trees help to capture storm water, improve water quality, reduce urban heat island effects, beautify communities, increase property values, reduce heating and cooling costs and improve human health.
DCNR's goals are to:

• Plant 1,000,000 trees over the next five years, primarily in metropolitan areas across the state;
• Train community volunteers to assist in the planting and early care of trees; and
• Build community capacity for the long term management of urban forests.

Northampton and Lehigh Counties are partnering to bring this program to the Lehigh Valley. The Departments of Community and Economic Development will make grants available to municipalities to noticeably increase the tree canopy in their communities. As per DCNR guidelines, areas with low tree cover will receive priority for funding.

Program Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated need for additional tree cover. (10 points)
• Regional Impact - connection with or implementation of regional or local efforts. (10 points)
• Evidence of municipal support (staff and resources) (15 points)
• Evidence of a plan for community involvement in the project. (15 points)
• Commitment by municipality and volunteers to attend a Tree Tender and Tree Management Training. (15 points)
• Evidence of progress toward development of a long term sustainable urban forest management program. (i.e.  a tree ordinance, an active shade tree commission, a street tree inventory, management plan, etc.) (15 points)
• Community is currently recognized as Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. (10 points)
• Adequate project budget. (10 points)

Eligible Organizations:
Lehigh and Northampton County units of local government may submit requests. Municipalities must have a plan for planting and at least two citizen volunteers (not paid staff) willing to receive training and care for the trees. Please note: Cities and boroughs will receive priority.

Grant Amount:
The maximum amount for which a community can apply is $25,000.00 in one year. In addition, no more than $200 per tree will be awarded in grant funds. For example, for a project that will plant 100 trees, no more than $20,000.00 will be awarded. Prorated funding may be awarded at the County's discretion.

There is a 50% match requirement ($50,000.00 project). Preference will be given, however, to those municipalities who can provide their own cash match source. Volunteer time related to planting may be counted at the rate of $18/hour. Municipal staff time may be included as a match using their hourly salary and benefit rate. In Lehigh County municipalities may apply for a Main Street Initiatives Streetscape Amenities Grant for the cash match portion.

Funding Guidelines:
Eligible expenses include trees, tree supplies (e.g. stakes, ties, mulch, watering/gator bags, etc.), site preparation and tree-planting costs. A dollar for dollar match is required. The match may be cash (preferred) or in-kind services in the form of additional planting costs, first year maintenance costs, additional trees, site preparation costs, and municipal or volunteer labor. Signage acknowledging DCNR and the County as a funding source is required; signage is an allowable cost. Please refer to the packet for additional instruction. Projects must be on public property, including street trees, public parks, greenways, and riparian areas or other property open to the public. Proof of ownership or a long term lease may be required. All costs must be directly related to project implementation.

All tree purchases must be listed on the DCNR Tree Species List and must conform with the DCNR Tree Quality and Form Guidelines, as attached.

Funds may not be used for administrative, overhead or general staff costs of the applicant, or purchase of equipment or materials and labor not expended during the grant agreement period.

This is a reimbursement program. The Counties and DCNR will review each municipal proposal and have final discretion in selecting the funded projects. They will give preference to municipalities that use force account or volunteer labor over those that contract for tree planting.

Note that a contract between the municipality and the respective County must be executed before costs can be incurred. DCNR must approve the municipality's planting plan before planting may commence.

Application Procedures:
All interested applicants must submit the application (attached) and a Planting Plan to:

Lehigh County
Virginia Savage
Manager of Main St. Initiatives
17 S. 7th St., Room 519
Allentown, PA 18101

Northampton County
Thomas Dittmar
Environmental Services Coordinator
669 Washington St.
Easton, PA 18042

DCNR has also created a website: www.TreeVitalize.net which contains information on tree care and also contains various links which may provide useful information in your tree planting efforts.
Planting Plan

A planting plan reviewed on-site and approved by DCNR is required. Please Note: The planting plan need not accompany the original grant application, but must be provided once the applicant has been approved for a grant.
The planting plan must be reviewed and approved by a TreeVitalize Program forester before any grant funds may be released. Further instruction is provided in the application packet.