Several Michigan communities share $75,610 in DNR/DTE tree grants

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2012                      

 

Contact: Kevin Sayers, 517-241-4632 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

 

 

DNR, DTE Energy Foundation award $75,610 in tree-planting grants

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the DTE Energy Foundation today announced that 34 grants totaling $75,610 have been awarded in Michigan communities for local tree-planting projects. Grants awarded under this program will be used to purchase nearly 1,000 trees of various species and sizes to be planted this spring and fall.

 

Now in its 15th year, this thriving partnership between the DNR and the DTE Energy Foundation is designed to boost the number of properly planted, established and maintained trees within DTE Energy’s service area. Eligible projects include neighborhood revitalization efforts and beautification or restoration of parks, city streets, nature study areas and school grounds – provided all trees are planted on public land or land that is open to the public.

 

Together, the DNR, DTE Energy and its foundation have to date planted more than 20 million trees on public land and in many communities throughout Michigan.

 

“The trees planted through this program will help to improve public areas in communities throughout the state,” said Kevin Sayers, coordinator of the DNR’s Urban Forestry Program. “This program also helps raise awareness about the importance of planting the right tree in the right location to avoid utility and tree conflicts.”

 

The U.S. Forest Service has commended both organizations for their ongoing partnership and leadership in environmental programs. Recent research from the Forest Service indicates that tree canopy is on the decline in cities across the country. This new planting of trees will help to offset that trend and other losses due to disease and insect problems such as the emerald ash borer.

 

For more information, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-241-4632 or visit the Urban and Community Forestry website at www.michigan.gov/ucf. To learn more about the DTE Energy Foundation, contact Vanessa Waters at 313-235-7255 or go to http://dteenergy.com/dteEnergyCompany/community.

  

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

 

The full list (by county) of grant recipients and amounts is available below.