The Rhode Island Tree Council recently announced that it has received a grant through the American Resource and Reinvestment Act of 2009 designed to let the organization assess and improve the state’s forest health, provide urban forestry training, and promote, maintain, and increase green employment in economically distressed regions. John Campanini, the Council’s technical director, made the announcement. He will spearhead the project.
The Forest Sustainability Project calls for the Tree Council to implement activities designed to achieve project goals and objectives. Planned activities include:
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• Conducting community-based tree surveys
• Planting trees and other woody ornamentals
• Performing care on established woody plants
• Conducting training workshops
• Developing management planning documents
The Forest Sustainability Project also calls for local project vendors to be used where professional assistance is required. Vendors include tree nurseries, professional tree care companies, and landscape contractors. Other local vendors will provide survey logistics and database management, and prepare landscape plans. The Council has already assembled a team of college graduates and unemployed green industry workers to conduct street tree, exotic pest (Asian longhorned beetle and Emerald ash borer), and storm damage surveys.
In addition, the Forest Sustainability Project calls for the Tree Council to provide $10,000 to $20,000 worth of services and supplies to seven Rhode Island cities—Warwick, Woonsocket, Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Central Falls, and Warren.
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. The council’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 resident’s. Membership is open to all.
For more information on the RITree Council’s Forest 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
