City’s community forestry to get $11.4m from federal pipeline

Last updated Oct 19, 2023

TL/DR –

The US Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant has provided Boston with $11.4 million in funding, announced by Mayor Wu and US Sen. Ed Markey. This grant aims to develop Boston’s workforce in urban and community forestry, improve tree care and accessibility, and expand Boston’s tree canopy, primarily in neighborhoods like Dorchester and Mattapan. The funding, obtained through the Inflation Reduction Act, will be administered through PowerCorps Boston and is expected to create new green jobs while enhancing environmental justice.

Mayor Wu and Sen. Markey Announce $11.4M Forestry Grant for Boston

Mayor Wu and US Senator Ed Markey unveiled an $11.4 million grant from the US Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant on October 6th. The grant, announced at a press conference in Franklin Park, aims to boost Boston’s workforce development in urban and community forestry. It’s also designed to overcome technical and financial hurdles in expanding Boston’s tree canopy.

The funds are provided through the Inflation Reduction Act. They will help enhance tree care and accessibility, and create workforce development opportunities managed by PowerCorps Boston. Additionally, they will aid the growth of Boston’s newly established Tree Alliance.

“Expanding tree coverage in our neighborhoods creates cool, green, healthy spaces for our residents,” stated Wu. She expressed gratitude to the US Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant for its generous support in fostering workforce growth and enhancing tree canopy across Boston.

Markey added, “This funding will sow fresh seeds of environmental justice in communities that have long been fighting for fresh air and investments. It will also generate new green jobs and build more resilient communities across our Commonwealth.”

The program is primarily aimed at neighborhoods like Dorchester and Mattapan, and already contributed to increased plantings at the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan this year.