KNOXVILLE — Urban forestry project proposals are now being accepted by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry. This is being done through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) and the Urban & Community Forestry (U&CF) Program.

TAEP funds will be used to enhance the state of Tennessee through tree planting. “These TAEP-funded projects require that the trees must come from a Tennessee nursery,” Urban Forestry resource specialist Brian Rucker said. “These activities support our nursery industry and provide clean air and water, stormwater control and aesthetic values to our communities.”

U&CF funds support all other urban forestry related projects. Projects that address ordinances, inventory and management planning, advisory organization and staffing of an urban or community forestry program will be given priority. Other projects for education, training, printed materials, and travel to state and national urban forestry conferences are also accepted. Local governments, private non-profit organizations and educational institutions are eligible to apply.

The Division of Forestry will also accept proposals to fund urban forestry staff positions. If accepted, the agreement will be for three years on a sliding scale and dependent on available funds from the USDA Forest Service.

An information packet is available on request. The packet includes additional details on the grant programs, the types of projects accepted, application forms and proposal instructions.

Proposals must be received in the Nashville office of the Division of Forestry by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2015.

For an information packet or questions about the urban forestry grants, contact Tom Simpson at 865-908-4434 or tom.simpson@tn.gov.