Over $1.8 million delivered for Urban & Community Forestry programs  

Santa Fe, NM – This Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day, and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Forestry Division is pleased to announce a two-part investment in urban and community forestry programs throughout the state.  

“Earth Day is the ideal time to announce these investments in building sustainable communities,” said Alyssa O’Brien, Urban & Community Forester. “Trees in urban areas benefit a community in ways both seen and unseen. They provide shade and cooling, filtration for air and water, as well as necessary help with alleviating storm runoff. But they also provide clean, visually pleasing spaces for recreation and community gatherings; they can even help reduce the effects of crime.”  

$1,875,000 in federal funding, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, will help invigorate urban tree canopy access and improve the health and resilience of urban forest plantings across New Mexico. 

Forestry Division will direct these funds into localized, competitive grants for projects and programs that demonstrate the largest potential impact towards equitable access to natural and green spaces, particularly in high-priority watersheds and underserved communities. 

State Forester Laura McCarthy said she welcomes these new opportunities to extend canopy coverage throughout the state. “As a warmer, drier climate continues to impact our state, it’s important that we continue building up access to green spaces in our cities and urban areas. It’s not just about planting new trees but also about maintaining the ones we already have.” 

Interested state-level applicants can contact Urban & Community Forester Alyssa O’Brien at alyssa.obrien@emnrd.nm.gov. More information for applicants will be forthcoming on the Forestry Division’s Urban and Community Forestry website.   

In addition, federal Inflation Reduction Act funding for the Urban & Community Forestry program created a great opportunity for local and tribal governments, as well as non-governmental organizations to submit million-dollar proposals. A broad range of projects at a community and regional scale can be funded through this brand-new funding source. Learn how to apply for funding at the IRA/UCF grants webpage.  

Activities can include maintenance and management of urban forests, community engagement in local urban forest planning, and projects that improve tree resilience to climate change, extreme heat, forest pests and diseases, and storm events. More details are available through the Notice Of Funding Opportunity FAQ.