Several communities and organizations throughout the state have received a total of just over $404,000 to improve their forests. The funding comes from the Missouri Department of Conservation through its Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance grant program.
TRIM grants offer cost-share funding for government agencies, public schools and nonprofit groups to manage, improve or conserve trees on public lands.
Joplin, a town that lost many trees during the 2011 tornado, will get $25,000 for a tree inventory. MDC forestry management chief, Justine Gartner, said tree inventories are an important way for communities to manage and plan for the future.
“You have to know not only where the trees are, but how to adequately care for them, and you have to know their condition and maintenance needs,” she said. An inventory allows a community to thoughtfully plan work rather than respond to the latest disaster, according to Gartner.
Other Ozarks entities getting a share of TRIM funding:
- Missouri State University-West Plains: $10,000 for tree removal, pruning and planning
- Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center: $18,754 for tree inventory and education
