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URBAN FORESTRY
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Mountaineer Treeways Program Accepting Applications
Free trees available for planting on public property
Deadline is March 19, 2010
Mountaineer Treeways application Word Document
Mountaineer Treeways application pdf format
Questions about the Mountaineer Treeways program may be addressed to Andy Sheetz, Partnership Coordinator, at (304) 558-2788 or Andy.I.Sheetz@wv.gov; or Bob Hannah, Urban Forestry Coordinator, at (304) 825-6983 or Robert.L.Hannah@wv.gov.
The West Virginia Division of Forestry’s (DOF) Mountaineer Treeways program will accept applications from volunteer organizations and municipalities that plan to plant trees on public property throughout the state. The application deadline is Friday, March 19, 2010.
“Mountaineer Treeways is a program that works to enhance and beautify public areas across West Virginia through tree plantings,” Hannah said. “I encourage civic organizations, municipalities, businesses, schools and other groups to participate.”
All trees must be planted on public property in West Virginia. Volunteers and paid employees of municipalities and other entities may conduct the plantings. Matching funds are not required; however, a status report must be submitted by August 13, 2010. DOF staff will be available for technical assistance, species selection advice and to suggest planting sites.
Trees for this program are sponsored by donations from Appalachian Power, the Oakland Foundation and Toyota Motors Manufacturing. All trees will be distributed in early April.
The Mountaineer Treeways program replaces the National Tree Trust program, and continues to provide trees at no cost for various community projects.
DOF AND WVSU
A Growing Partnership
Since 2004 the West Virginia Division of Forestry (DOF) and West Virginia State University (WVSU) have partnered to help promote urban forestry and support current tree care programs throughout the state. WVSU has supported projects with The Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery, Inc., Arbor Day, and the Cool Communities Grant program in Petersburg. In addition, a lending library of books, CDs, DVDs and videos has been established by the University for individuals and organizations interested in urban forestry.
WVSU also partnered with the Division of Forestry in the publication of "Choosing and Planting Trees for Cities and Communities", a booklet that has been distributed to communities and organizations state-wide. Most recently, WVSU partnered to help purchase trees for planting through the Mountaineer Treeways Program. WVSU puts 100% of their RREA monies each year toward promoting urban forestry education in West Virginia.
These achievements were featured on the State's broadcast of Forestry Today. Dr. Barbara Liedl with WVSU Agricultural and Environmental Research Station and Dr. Almeshia Brown, WVSU Extension Specialist, have represented WVSU on the WV Urban and Community Forestry Council since 2004. WVSU is continuing to foster and build upon their partnership with the WVDOF, ensuring a successful future for urban forestry in West Virginia.
For more information on WVSU contact Dr. Almeshia Brown at 304-204-4021 or e-mail
Abrown23@wvstateu.edu or visit the WVSU Web site by clicking here
ABOUT THE DIVISION OF FORESTRY'S
URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM
West Virginia cities and communities also contain a valuable forest resource, the urban forest. A community's urban forest includes all street and park trees as well as privately owned tress in residential neighborhoods. The West Virginia Division of Forestry recognizes and supports the significant role these trees play by enhancing the quality of life for all West Virginians through the Urban and Community Forestry program. The goal of the Urban and Community Forestry program is to promote the long-term care of trees in cities and communities throughout the state. Our program cooperates with communities to ensure this care by encouraging the initiation of municipal tree boards and ordinances that establish guidelines for the planting and maintenance of trees on public property.
Program Highlights
The West Virginia Urban and Community Forestry Council represents community forestry interests from across the state and provides advice to the State Forester concerning the program. The Council works to raise public awareness with a biannual newsletter and promotes higher standards of tree care through training workshops and educational events. Council information can be obtained from the interm Chair, Dan Brown.
The Division of Forestry employs an Urban Forestry Technical Specialist, Jennifer Hammer, to provide assistance to communities with workshops and on-site visits to promote proper tree care and maintenance standards. Jennifer can be contacted at (304) 822-4512 or Jennifer.L.Hammer@wv.gov.
Andy Sheetz, the Partnership Coordinator, is available to work with volunteer organizations interested in tree planting and other related projects. He also is active in assisting community tree boards with finding financial support and other resources from various private and public entities for all types of community forestry projects. Andy can be contacted at (304) 558-2788 or Andy.I.Sheetz@wv.gov.
The Tree City USA program is a national award for communities with a sustained and active tree care agenda. Tree City USA is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and administered locally by the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
Utilizing funds from the USDA Forest Service passed to the Division of Forestry, communities can receive financial assistance in the form of Demonstration City Grants. These grants are offered to Tree City USA communities and communities working toward this goal for tree planting projects, hazard tree removal, creating arboretums and outdoor classrooms, street tree inventories, and management plans. Applications are available each July.
The Municipal Tree Restoration Program promotes planting only small maturing trees under over-head utility lines. This program is a cooperative effort between the Division of Forestry, West Virginia University, Allegheny Power and American Electric Power and encourages communities to plant "the right tree in the right place." Large and potentially hazardous trees growing under power lines can be removed and small maturing species are planted in their place at no cost to the community.
The Mountaineer Treeways program provides FREE seedlings for volunteer groups that wish to plant trees on public property. This program is a joint effort between the West Virginia Division of Forestry, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the West Virginia Division of Highways and the Turnpike Authority. For more information about the Mountaineer Treeways program, contact Andy Sheetz at (304) 558-2788.
Additional information about Urban and Community Forestry and related programs can be obtained from Bob Hannah, Urban Forestry Coordinator, at (304) 825-6983 or Robert.L.Hannah@wv.gov.
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