$25,000 State Grant to Boost Tree Management on Historic Routes

Leon County has received a $25,000 grant to update the tree inventory of its historic canopy roads. This project, funded by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is crucial for the ongoing management of the County's 58 miles of canopy roads. The inventory, last done in 2014, is due for renewal to maintain the health and safety of these community assets. The County will also contribute $25,000 to ensure the inventory's completion, demonstrating its commitment to preserving canopy roads.

The $25,000 grant awarded by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is part of the 2022 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program, specifically under the Urban Tree Canopy Assessment category. This initiative supports the development and enhancement of public tree assessments. By updating the tree inventory, Leon County can provide essential data that contributes to the effective management of the tree population along these roads, in line with the Canopy Roads Management Plan.

Additionally, the grant requires a matching contribution from Leon County, which has been allocated from the County’s Right-of-Way Management budget for the fiscal year. This collaboration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services demonstrates Leon County's dedication to the stewardship of its canopy roads. The updated inventory will help the County in its efforts to sustain the historic roads and ensure the urban forest continues to deliver its multitude of benefits to the community.

The FDACS Florida Forest Service uses a portion of the Urban and Community Forestry technical services funds provided by the U.S. Forest Service to help local communities, nonprofit groups and educational institutions initiate or improve local urban forestry programs. Florida’s urban forest provides millions of dollars annually in social, economic, psychological and environmental benefits to communities and enhances the quality of life for Florida residents.

For more information, contact Scott Ross, Director of the Office of Financial Stewardship, at (850) 606-5100 / RossS@leoncountyfl.gov, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.