Assessing the Impact of Urban and Community Forestry Grants
Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) completed an impact assessment of the USDA Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. SREF found that programs funded through the grants reached millions of people and developed critical research. Moreover, in excess of $13 million in additional funds were awarded to grant recipients. In all, for every federal dollar invested in these grants, there is a $4.92 return on investment!! Grants supported research that benefits the public, arboriculture and urban forestry industry, scientists, municipalities, environmental engineers, policy makers, youth, and much more. Projects focused on human health and wellness benefits of urban trees and forests, job creation through green infrastructure, youth leadership skills, technology to advance tree risk assessment, urban resilience, trees and stormwater management, and much more.
The study found that the publicly-funded grant program supports research that improves the economic, environmental, and social challenges faced by those who live, work, and recreate in urban areas. Extension personnel can benefit from this report by accessing new research and as justification for arboriculture and urban forestry educational programming
This report demonstrates the value of NUCFAC- recommended grants awarded during the years 2010-2015. The following publications have been created for detailed information about this study and the impacts.
Case Study- Under-served Communities
Case Study- Human Health & Well-being
About NUCFAC
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to the protection, planting, and care of trees and forests in our nation’s cities and communities. Since 1994, NUCFAC annually recommends urban and community forestry projects for funding to the USDA Forest Service (USFS). Recommended projects meet objectives outlined in the current National Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Action Plan, which is used to expand awareness of the benefits that urban and community forests provide to urban areas.
