The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program (VT UCF) is accepting grant applications for three small grant programs:
- Rural Roadside Ash Tree Removal – Open to municipalities in Washington, Caledonia, or Orange counties;
- Check Out Forestry – Open to public libraries located in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, and Washington counties; and
- Community Tree Fund – Open to all municipalities and non-profit organizations.
What Do These Programs Fund?
Rural Roadside Ash Tree Removal – Removal of priority ash trees in municipal rights-of-way and technical assistance to prioritize project locations, develop an RFP package, select and mark ash (Fraxinus species only) trees for removal, communicate with affected landowners, or provide outreach and education materials.
Check Out Forestry – Trees and technical assistance. Vermont UCF staff will work with selected public libraries to design a tree planting plan that directly addresses each library’s specific need, such as shade, outdoor learning, safer spaces, calming traffic, and stormwater mitigation.
Community Tree Fund – Purchase and delivery of 1-10 trees and tree irrigation supplies (mulch, watering devices, etc.). Preference will be given to projects planted on public land.
How Does My Community Apply?
Applications for all three programs are fillable forms submitted online.
Rural Roadside Ash Tree Removal – Applications due 03/28/25.
Check Out Forestry –Applications due 03/31/25.
Community Tree Fund – Applications accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed on 04/08/25 and 09/12/25.
What Will Make Our Application Competitive?
Rural Roadside Ash Tree Removal – Applicants must have an existing ash tree inventory of a proposed project location, likely between one and four miles of road. This may be a tally or digital inventory that includes ash tree locations and size classes (usually measured as diameter-at-breast-height). Municipal staff and volunteers must commit to providing their time to develop projects, solicit bids, mark ash trees, conduct public communication and outreach, and manage the grant. Either municipal staff or contracts can remove the trees.
Check Out Forestry – Use of outdoor spaces by library patrons and others and having a project goal that aligns with the program is considered.
Community Tree Fund – Preference will be given to projects planted on public land. Projects on private land are allowed if there is a demonstrated public benefit.
How Can My Community Learn More?
In addition to reviewing guidance information on the programs' websites, prospective applications can contact:
Rural Roadside Ash Tree Removal
- Grant Application Questions: Elise Schadler, VT UCF Program Manager, (802) 522-6015, elise.schadler@vermont.gov.
- Project Development Questions: Joanne Garton, VT UCF Technical Assistance Coordinator, (802) 249-4217, joanne.garton@vermont.gov .
Check Out Forestry – Adam McCullough, VT UCF Urban Forester, (802) 522-5104, adam.mccullough@vermont.gov.
Community Tree Fund – Gwen Kozlowski, UVM Extension Outreach & Education Coordinator, (802) 656-7638, gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu.
Where Can My Community Find Help with Grant Writing or Management?
The VLCT resource Increasing Municipal Capacity for Grants offers ideas for assistance with grants. Many of the capacity builders also provide project management services. Hiring experienced project management assistance can increase the speed of project development and help avoid cost, permitting, and other development surprises.