AUGUSTA – Grants of up to $10,000 are available to local municipal units of government, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations for developing and implementing community forestry projects and programs.

Project Canopy encourages communities and organizations to submit proposals for development of a street tree inventory, master tree plan, public tree ordinance, community education, tree pruning, removal, replacement and other community forestry projects.

An anticipated $50,000 will be available. Groups may apply for grants up to $10,000, which require a 50 percent match from the grant recipient in cash or in-kind services.

Project Canopy is a cooperative partnership between the Maine Forest Service and the Pine Tree State Arboretum. The Maine Forest Service administers the grant program and funding is provided by the USDA Forest Services’ Cooperative Forestry Assistance Program.

Interested municipal officials and citizen volunteers should call 1-800-367-0223 or visit www.projectcanopy.org for more information.