Inflation reduction act growing the milwaukee tree canopy and community resilience

The City of Milwaukee was awarded a $12,000,000 Project Grant from the USDA Forest Service under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727) on June 24, 2024. The grant funding will support comprehensive urban forestry initiatives in Milwaukee focused on planning, establishing, managing, and protecting the city's trees, forests, green spaces, and related natural resources. Key activities include pruning 3,000 trees, establishing a new reforestation and nursery crew, and expanding the existing tree nursery to grow an additional 750 trees. The grant also provides on-the-job training to disadvantaged Milwaukee residents within the field of forestry, including OSHA, equipment operation, and arborist pre-apprenticeship instruction. A sub-award of the grant was made to Milwaukee County to support these forestry efforts, while another sub-award went to the Milwaukee Community Service Corps, Inc. to deliver the workforce development program.