The Department of Natural Resources and DTE Energy Foundation announced that 34 grants totaling $73,160 have been awarded to communities in Michigan for local tree-planting projects. Grants awarded under this program will be used to help purchase nearly 2,500 trees of various species and sizes to be planted this spring and fall.
This year marks the 16th year of the partnership between the DTE Energy Foundation and the DNR to plant trees in Michigan communities. Together, the DNR, DTE Energy and its foundation have planted more than 20 million trees on state-managed land and in communities throughout Michigan.
“Trees are a valuable part of every community’s infrastructure and add immensely to our quality of life,” said Kevin Sayers, DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Program coordinator. “These grants will allow communities to plant trees and engage residents with messages about the importance of proper planting to avoid utility and tree conflicts.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service commends both organizations for their ongoing partnership and leadership in environmental programs. Recent research from the Forest Service indicates that tree canopy is on the decline in cities across the country. These trees will help offset this trend and other losses due to disease and insect problems such as the emerald ash borer, which has killed more than 30 million ash trees in Michigan since 2002.
For more information, or a list of approved grants, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-241-4632, or visit the program website at www.michigan.gov/ucf. For further information about the DTE Energy Foundation, please contact Vanessa Waters at 313-235 7255, or go to www.dteenergy.com/dteEnergyCompany/community.
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