Boston and New York Unveil Major Tree Initiatives

Boston and New York (April 28, 2007)- Boston will plant 100,000 trees during the next 13 years, bringing canopy cover to 35%, with the bulk of the plantings to take root in the city's least green neighborhoods, announced Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The City is also teaming up with the Forest Service to study the benefits for residents. New York's goal is to reforest 2,000 targeted acres of parkland and plant one million trees in vacant lots by 2020. This includes an additional $20 million per year for the city's urban forestry program and 40 new tree maintenance staff that will enable pruning and care of 5 million trees each year. This is a great time to talk with your mayor or county executive about making a similar commitment.

Support for Small, Community-Based Orgs- Deadline: June 1 

BridgeBuilders Foundation is accepting applications from small, community-based nonprofits that are working to build bridges among groups of people that differ with respect to age, gender, economic resources, and physical or mental ability.

Mellon Financial Corporation Nonprofit Guide

The Mellon Financial Corporation is offering "Discover Total Resources: A Guide for Nonprofits," a guide to help board members, staff, and volunteers discover resources that have been used effectively by a variety of nonprofits. A checklist of resources and techniques is included to help nonprofits reduce their vulnerability and increase their opportunities..

Public Forum on Storms and Urban Forests- June 6

(Biloxi, MS)- The National Urban & Community Forestry Advisory Council is actively recruiting people from all regions of the country to give testimony at the public forum about storms and the urban forest.

Retired Forest Service Chiefs Speak Out

Washington, DC (April 27, 2007)- Five retired Forest Service Chiefs spoke out this week to Congress regarding the need for better budgeting to protect the nation's forests from fire risk. Former Chiefs heading the agency from 1979 to 2007 expressed concern with the Administration's FY 2008 budget for non-fire related programs.

New York State U&CF Council

(Cold Brook, New York) The New York State Urban and Community Forestry Council, working in conjunction with environmental nonprofit groups, secured $500,000 in state funding for urban forestry in both 2005 and 2006. The Council is part of a coalition requesting $5 million in state forestry funds in 2007.