Organization to use $20,000 from ARRA grant to plant 100 trees

The Rhode Island Tree Council (RITree) recently announced that it is embarking on a pilot program in Warren that will not only greatly increase the town’s tree canopy, but also reduce its maintenance and energy costs. Using $20,000 from its Forestry Sustainability Project (FSP) grant, RITree will plant up to 100 trees on private land in Warren free of charge to property owners. Trees available for planting are Red oaks, Red maples, Katsuras, and Lindens. Owners who wish to have a tree planted on their property can obtain an application by e-mailing John Massed (jmassed@townofwarren-ri.gov) or Judith Fardig (jfardig@townofwarren-ri.gov) or by calling Warren’s Department of Public Works at 401-245-0200.

The pilot program runs through October. “Warren is the first municipality in Rhode Island to benefit from this pilot program which is being paid for by the FSP grant, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009,” says John Campanini, technical director, Rhode Island Tree Council. “The trees will not only keep homes cooler by providing additional shade, but also assist the town in managing water runoff and energy consumption. And since trees planted on private property last up to 100 years, the town’s benefits will be long term.”

The trees must be planted within 25 feet of the street or sidewalk. Property owners will each get a wooden stake from the town to indicate tree location. They also must maintain the trees, valued at $200 each. Staton’s Landscaping, Inc., Warren will plant the trees under the supervision of RITree and Warren’s Public Works Department.

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Warren is one of seven Rhode Island cities scheduled to receive between $10,000 and $20,000 in services and supplies through the Forestry Sustainability Project. RITree recently completed a beautification project in North Providence. That project was also funded by the FSP. Other cities receiving services and supplies are Warwick, Johnston, Cranston, and Woonsocket. The FSP calls for RITree to assess and improve the state’s forest health, provide urban forestry training, and promote, maintain, and increase green employment in economically distressed regions. RITree uses local vendors on projects where professional assistance is required.

The Rhode Island Tree Council is a non-profit, tax-exempt group dedicated to improving the state’s tree resources. Composed of members, professional consultants, and volunteers, the Council administers its programs through its Board of Directors, Advisors, and Trustees. RITree’s mission is to create healthy urban and community forests, which underpin the state’s verdant ecological tapestry, support its vibrant economy, and enrich the lives of residents. Membership is open to all.

For more information about the RITree Council’s Forestry Sustainability Project, contact Jeanne Current, Rhode Island Tree Council, P.O. Box 6144, Providence, RI 02940. Tel: 401-484-2555. Fax: 401-764-5886. E-mail: arraproject@ritree.org

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Contact Information:
Jeanne Current
RITree Council / ARRA Project
PO Box 6144
Providence, RI 02940

phone 401.484.2555
fax 401.764.5886
e-mail ARRAProject@ritree.org