Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently unveiled an initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service to allocate over $1 billion in competitive grants aimed at expanding urban green spaces, addressing climate change, and enhancing accessibility to nature in urban areas across the country.

 

The Forest Service has selected 385 grant proposals from organizations dedicated to improving access to trees and nature in cities, with a focus on their role in cooling urban areas, enhancing air quality, and promoting public health and safety. These grants cover communities in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, several U.S. Territories, and Tribal Nations.

Secretary Vilsack emphasized the urgency of these investments, given the increasing frequency of record-breaking heatwaves impacting public health, energy consumption, and overall well-being. The enhanced urban tree canopy, facilitated by these grants, will play a vital role in mitigating extreme heat and climate change effects, while also providing economic opportunities and professional training to boost local economies.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/releases/usda-invests-1-billion-nearly-400-projects-expand-access-trees-and-green-spaces