Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Urban Forest Equity Grant Program

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, historic funding is available to state and local government entities, federally recognized tribes, and non-profit organizations to support urban forestry projects that will increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged communities throughout Connecticut. Award amounts are based on the following funding tiers:

Tier I: $5,000-$25,000

Tier II: $25,001-$75,000

Tier III:  $75,001-$200,000

The Urban Forest Equity Grant Program can support a variety of urban and community forestry projects including but not limited to:

  • Tree planting on private lands with permission of landowner

    See this example of the “Trees for Free program” from Bloomfield, CT

  • Engaging groups in urban forest planning and planting

    See this example of a series of visioning and community meetings held in Bridgeport, CT

  • Urban forest planning and assessment

    See this example of a forest management plan from Plainfield, CT

  • Work force development

    See this example of the “GreenSkills Program” from New Haven, CT

  • Invasive species management

    See this example of a project to map and remove invasives species from Stamford, CT

  • Urban wood utilization

    See this example of the “Wood Material Management Program” in Hartford, CT

  • Urban food forests

    See this example from Atlanta, GA

  • Utilization of urban trees for extreme heat mitigation
**Frequently Asked Questions**

You may also wish to review this page with additional examples of previously funded projects in Connecticut. Projects must demonstrate direct benefit to disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, note that these communities align with those indicated in DEEP’s Urban Forestry Grant Screening Tool.

Potential applicants are encouraged to review this recorded webinar to learn more about this program and guidance on the grant writing process. 

The deadline for applications was April 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The program is now closed. Reach out to DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov for more information. 

Content last updated July 3, 2024.