This program offers financial assistance to communities for the development or improvement of city or village tree resources.  Two levels of participation are offered.  The first level (CTR-I) encourages cities and villages to develop a new tree improvement program which qualifies them for the Tree City USA designation.  A higher level of District assistance is available to communities which make such a commitment. 

A second level of assistance (CTR-II) is available to cities, villages and other public entities which have developed a specific plan for tree replacement or new plantings.  A five-year plan and an annual budget for tree resources improvement are required.
 
Because this program is designed to encourage plantings which provide public benefits, funding will be approved for planting on public lands.  Nursery stock recommended for use may be balled, burlapped, or potted.  Bare root stock may be used if it is at least six feet tall.  Permanent plantings are required. Seedlings for nursery plantings are available for purchase through the district’s seedling sales program.
 
Applications for either level of assistance must include a copy of the community’s tree plan and a cover letter stating the amount and purpose of the financial assistance requested.  In addition, a commitment is required that the applicant will maintain all plantings funded by the District for a minimum of five years.
 

Community Tree Resource Program (CTR-I)

This program is designed to encourage planned, long-term plantings where trees and shrubs are not presently growing.

Eligibility

1. The city or village must establish a legally constituted tree board that has the responsibility of public tree resource management.
2. The city or village must have a current tree ordinance.
3. The city or village must develop a community tree plan that includes:
   • A current inventory and assessment of publicly owned trees.
   • A summary of accomplishments of the last five years and detailing of goals of the current tree plan.
   •  A five-year master plan and a one-year detailed plan for tree planting, removal and maintenance, including pruning.
   • A proposed annual budget of estimated costs and detailed description of how the community plans to meet the commitments of the tree plan.
4. The city or village must have the community tree plan approved by the University of Nebraska District Extension Forester.
5. Eligible plantings of trees and shrubs include plantings:
   • Along city streets and right-of-ways.
   • On city-owned property.
   • In new or expanded city parks or other publicly-owned areas.

Funds Available
The district will provide a 50% matching grant on a per capita basis.  The maximum assistance will be $1.00 per capita up to $5,000 with a minimum assistance of $200.  Funding is based on the type and quality of the project and the number of times that the community has received CTR funds.  The amount of district funds available is dependent on the annual budget.

Community Tree Resource Program (CTR-II)

This program is designed to encourage replacement plantings of trees and shrubs.

Eligibility

1. The city, village or public entity must submit a work plan for tree planting.  Guidance from the University of Nebraska District Extension Forester is recommended.  The plan must include:
   • A list of the trees and shrubs and number to be planted.
   • A map showing where trees will be placed.
   • A timetable for completion of the project.
   • An estimate of the total project cost.
2. The city, village or public entity must sign an agreement stating that it will maintain the plantings for a minimum of five years.
3. The city, village or public entity must agree to match funds provided by the district.

Funds Available
The district will provide a 50% matching grant with a maximum of $1,000 and a minimum of $200.  Funding is based on the type and quality of the project.  The amount of district funding available is dependent on the annual budget.

 

Community Native Grass Resources Program             

This program offers financial assistance to communities to develop or improve city or village properties where the establishment of native grass would be beneficial.  Such areas may include, but are not limited to, lands surrounding wastewater treatment lagoons, lands within a Wellhead Protection Area and areas suitable for wildlife habitat improvement.
 
Eligibility

1. The city, village or public entity must submit a work plan for native grass planting.  Guidance from district staff is recommended.  The plan must include:
   • The number of acres to be planted.
   • The native grass seeding mixture to be used.
   • A map showing where planting is to be located.
   • A timetable for completion of the project.
   • An estimate of the total project cost.
2. The city, village or public entity must sign an agreement stating that it will maintain the planting for a minimum of five years.
3. The city, village or public entity must agree to match funds provided by the District.

Funds Available
The district will matching 50% of the local share of the project cost with a maximum of $1,000 and a minimum of $200.  Funding is based on the type and quality of the project.  The amount of district funding available is dependent on the annual budget.