Local projects among those funded by nearly $1.7 million in aid to Community Forestry Programs

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that $1,688,132 will go to 16 organizations or communities across Kentucky to plant trees, hire foresters and increase public awareness of the benefits of urban forestry, especially in underserved and disadvantaged communities throughout the Commonwealth.

The list includes several groups in Northern Kentucky.

“Kentucky’s natural beauty is an important part of our culture and high quality of life,” said Beshear. “As we welcome more people to our new Kentucky home, it’s important to provide natural spaces within our urban areas and opportunities for our children to learn about the benefits of our forests and the importance of sustainability. We’re also improving the health and wellbeing of our people through cleaner air and water and reduced noise.”

Funding is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF). As part of the Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding will benefit underserved and disadvantaged communities across the commonwealth. Awards range from $19,075 to $250,000. No matching funds are required.

“These projects represent Kentucky’s commitment to taking an active role in conserving and enhancing our community forest resources,” said State Forester Brandon Howard. “Trees provide a multitude of environmental, health, social and economic benefits that support us all.”

Kentucky’s program encourages projects that increase access to trees and green spaces and increase awareness about the many benefits they provide. Because several projects involve an expanded area, more than 21 communities across 53 counties will benefit from the projects.

A complete list of projects and their locations can be found here .

They include:

• 3,338 trees planted;
• 34 tree wells/soil cells created;
• 50 declining or hazardous trees removed;
• Nine urban forestry or greenspace plans created, covering over 2,302 acres;
• 266 educational events;
• 43 community events; and
• 55 jobs created or supported.

The Northern Kentucky region projects include:

• City of Newport $215,000

West Newport Greenway Planning and Implementation

The City of Newport is proposing to convert a major roadway and riverfront park into a true greenway that will benefit West Newport and the entire City of Newport. This project will include a greenway master plan, conversion of approx. 8,000 sq ft of hardscape to greenscape, and the planting of 100 trees.

• City of Ludlow $78,840

Ludlow Tree Project

The City of Ludlow proposes to conduct a canopy inventory, establish a tree ordinance, create a planting and maintenance plan for public trees, and plant 80 trees. Throughout this project the City will engage the public with an education champaign aimed at raising public awareness of the trees and their benefits. Being a small city with limited resources, the City also proposes using these funds to support and on-call arborist for two years.

• Kenton County Conservation District $71,796

Elsmere

Howell Woods Urban Tree Restoration and Education Project

This project proposes to enhance an approximate 1.5 acre stand of urban forest in the underserved community of Elsmere, adjacent to an elementary school, and will include forest stand improvements to remove dead/dying trees and replanting of native tree species. The proposal also includes community forest focused education at the school and woodlot as part of the enhancements and plantings.

• Mason County Fiscal Court $44,310

Maysville/Mason County Tree Planting and Education Project

The Cummins Nature Preserve proposes to provide local underserved and disadvantaged communities with opportunities for environmental education focused on trees. This will be accomplished through the planting over 300 trees, the strategic placement of educational signage and pamphlets, and the establishment of a community-wide Adopt-A-Tree program, community events, and other educational opportunities.

Office of the Governor

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