The CAL FIRE Urban & Community Forestry Program works to optimize the benefits of trees and related vegetation through multiple-objective projects as specified in the California Urban Forestry Act of 1978 (Public Resources Code 4799.06-4799.12). These projects further the goals of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), result in a net greenhouse gas (GHG) benefit, and provide environmental services and cost-effective solutions to the needs of urban communities and local agencies.

Urban Wood and Biomass Utilization projects should create, develop, and implement projects to better utilize trees and/or other vegetation from urban forests to reduce GHG emissions. The trees that are utilized must not have been removed solely for the purpose of utilization; there must be another valid management objective behind the removal of the trees. Projects will use urban woody biomass for its highest and best use, thus diverting it from the urban waste stream.

Eligible applicants include cities, counties, qualifying districts, or nonprofit organizations qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (§PRC 5096.605). Districts include, but are not limited to, school, park, recreation, water, and local taxing districts.

Eligible projects must:
– Result in a net GHG benefit calculated using ARB’s FY 2017-18 quantification methodology.
– Create, develop, and implement projects to better utilize trees and/or other vegetation from urban forests.
– Be is located in an “urban area” or “urban cluster” as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. (http://www.census.gov/geo/www/ua/2010urbanruralclass.html)
– Display a sign or other advertisement with the logos and names of all organizations participating in the project, including the CAL FIRE Urban & Community Forestry Program. The sign must also acknowledge the funding source, CCI.
– Show that the community where the project will occur was, and will continue to be, authentically engaged about the project.
– Include an education and outreach component. Not more than 20% of grant funds may be used for this education and outreach component. The education and outreach component as part of the overall project can be shown as project match dollars by the applicant.
– Utilize trees that must not have been removed solely for purposes of utilization. There must be another valid management objective behind the removal of the trees to be utilized as determined by an ISA Certified Arborist, ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, SAF Certified Urban Forester, or other qualified professional as determined by CAL FIRE.
– Show that the removed trees were replaced with a tree of similar or improved long term carbon and co-benefits.
– Select trees and plant materials that are climate appropriate, drought-tolerant, and well suited the site.
– Adhere to Appendix I at a minimum regarding tree planting. Failure to follow the Standards in Appendix I will lead CAL FIRE to require replacement of the trees at the grantee’s cost. The Standards are also listed at the following web site: http://calfire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/downloads/CALFIRE_Nursery_Standards_and_Specs11_12 .pdf
– Provide maintenance on all trees planted (including replacement) for at least three years after project completion. Evidence of long term care for the trees must also be shown. Projects that meet the criteria for benefiting a disadvantaged community may qualify to receive funds for maintenance in a trust fund at project completion.