- Salem is set to receive $1 million from the US Forest Service to plant more trees across the City.
- Trees improve public health, property values, energy consumption, and combat extreme heat.
Salem residents will benefit from more trees thanks to a $1 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service. The grant is part of the more than $58 million awarded to the State of Oregon and $1.13 billion nationwide.
“This grant will go a long way toward our efforts to increase our tree canopy in Salem,“ says City Manager Keith Stahley, “Each dollar used to plant and maintain trees within our City helps keep Salem neighborhoods cool, reduces energy costs, mitigates flooding risks, makes biking and walking within easier, and increases property values throughout the City.”
Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in 2022, the Forest Service is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban, and rural communities nationwide. The agency selected 385 grant proposals from entities that are working to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces, and the many benefits they provide. 100% of funding will flow to disadvantaged communities, and funded proposals are in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, three U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands, and several tribal communities.
“We couldn’t be more grateful to Senators Wyden and Merkley, and Congresswoman Salinas, for their continued leadership in fighting climate change, said Salem Mayor Chris Hoy. “This grant will be extremely helpful in our local efforts to curb greenhouse emissions and build a more resilient and equitable tree canopy in Salem in historically disadvantaged areas of our community.”
Read more about the grant by visiting the U.S. Forest Service’s Website.
