Volunteers plant trees in Harrisburg. File photo.
Harrisburg will ramp up its tree planting as well as environmental education, thanks to a federal grant.
The city received a $2 million federal financial assistance award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the Inflation Reduction Act, and U.S. Forest Service. On Tuesday, City Council approved receipt of the grant.
According to city Forester Cody Legge, the city will use the funds for its “Harrisburg Tree Vestment Project,” which includes pruning, removing hazardous trees and planting new trees. Funds will provide new inventory for the city’s existing Shade Tree Program and help pay for the city’s new tree inventory software. Legge said that the city will take inventory of its street trees, something that was last done over a decade ago.
Additionally, the program will incorporate community outreach, as well as educational opportunities for local youth and residents.
At a previous meeting, council members expressed concern over what types of trees will be planted, pointing out issues caused by large trees interfering with power lines, cracking sidewalks and putting financial strain on residents who are required to care for them.
Legge said that attention will paid to selecting smaller trees that are more suitable for an urban environment.
For more information on the city’s Shade Tree Program, visit their website.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
