Rural southwest new mexico integrated urban forestry project

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service awarded a $5,000,000 Project Grant to Western New Mexico University under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727). The funding supports the Rural Southwest New Mexico Integrated Urban Forestry Project, which aims to plan, establish, manage, and protect trees, forests, green spaces, and related natural resources in urban and community settings across the region.

As part of this initiative, the university partnered with the non-profit Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP) to develop and implement community forestry plans for six disadvantaged communities, including the planting of 1,000 trees to address tree equity. This project aligns with the program's goal of providing ecosystem services, social benefits, and economic advantages through urban forestry, with a focus on advancing environmental justice in underserved areas. The grant award has a performance period from Feb 28, 2024 to Dec 31, 2028.