Urban Forestry Grant awarded Gainesville

GAINESVILLE - The City of Gainesville has kicked off an urban forestry project.

The City received $7,400 in cost-share funding through the Georgia Forestry Commission's (GFC) Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program. The purpose of the project announced Thursday is to fund the development of a local certified arborist training course which will be offered to current City and County staff who are involved in critical decisions affecting our community forests.

"Georgia's community forests provide countless benefits to our citizens, from shade, fresh air, and economic vitality, to safer neighborhoods and stronger community bonds," said Gainesville Special Projects Manager, Jessica Tullar.

Designated by the Farm Bill in 1990, the objective of the funding is to enhance Georgia's community forests and build awareness of their importance and impact statewide. In total, $431,558 in funding was awarded to 37 projects in Georgia.

"The Georgia Forestry Commission is pleased to provide funding for capacity-building programs such as this one that helps increase tree cover," GFC Director Robert Farris said. "We are proud to kickoff this project in partnership with our congressional and state legislative leadership," Farris added.

"The City of Gainesville recognizes the countless benefits trees bring to our community," Tullar said. "We are thankful for the GFC's efforts to provide these funds to organizations like ours across the state, and we are pleased to share them with the Gainesville community through our arborist project.