State awards $135K in federal funds for tree programs

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has awarded $135,000 in federal funds to 12 cities, towns and nonprofits for urban forestry projects.

The projects, selected by the DNR's Division of Forestry, include new tree plantings, education and awareness campaigns, and tree inventory and analysis.

Funds for tree inventory and analysis were awarded to: Elkhart, $20,000; Kendallville, $17,425; West Lafayette, $18,562; and Pendleton, $11,575.

Funds for tree-planting projects that target environmental issues such as water and air quality and flooding were awarded to: Bloomington, $10,000; Fort Wayne, $10,000; Dyer $9,000; Valparaiso, $7,688; Churubusco, $4,000; Mount Ayr, $2,000; and the Rensselaer Urban Forest Council, $5,250.

Funds for urban forestry awareness, education, and outreach projects were awarded to the Indiana Urban Forest Council, $17,500, and Bloomington, $2,000.