Community Forestry Assistance Act

The Community Forestry Assistance Act was passed on December 5, 1996.  Under the Act, training and properly planned and implemented local community forestry program can protect your local government and reduce or eliminate liability associated with tree care.

Requirements
The requirementsto gain approved status under the Community Forestry Assistance Act are as follows:

  1. Approved Community Forestry Management Plan (CMFP).  This plan can lead to decreased tree maintenance and removal costs, shorter response time to citizen requests for work and a decrease in hazardous tree situations.
  2. At least 2 CORE trained representatives.
  3. Annual Accomplishment Report highlighting accomplishments in following their Community Forestry Management Plan.
  4. Maintain the CORE training requirement's as well as accumulate a minimum of 8 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits per year.
  5. Detail of all the components necessary for reaching and maintaining Approved Status are outlined in a set of 5 publications, Components of Compliance.

Approved Status will provide the municipality with liability protection for tree care initiatives as well as eligibility for grant opportunities that are only available to municipalities and counties in compliance with the Act.

Grant Opportunities
Green Communities Challenge Grant:  This reimbursement grant program provides money to hire a professional forestry consultant.

Community Stewardship Incentive Program(CSIP): Apply for money to implement  the goal and objectives outlined in their CFMP.  Only municipalities and counties that have and maintain Approved Status under the Act are eligible for this grant.