Grant project plants new trees and helps care for existing trees in the public right-of-way
311 or 509.755.2489
Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 3:42 p.m.
SPOKANE – This week marks the launch of Tree Equity Spokane, a grant project aimed to increase tree canopy cover and to provide urgent care for trees in disadvantaged Spokane communities.
The five-year, $6 million community investment grant project will plant and care for trees in Spokane neighborhoods where they are most needed. Funding is provided by Urban and Community Forestry grants, authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act as part of a national $1 billion investment by the USDA to expand access to trees and green spaces.
About 500 new street trees will be planted each year in public rights-of-way, and thousands of tree seedlings given away to residents.
A soft launch this fall provided for 177 new street trees, planted by licensed arborists and volunteers, in partnership with The Lands Council. The Spokane Conservation District is providing the trees for this program, which helps the Spokane Urban Forestry further stretch grant funding.
In addition to planting new trees, Tree Equity Spokane provides street tree care in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
More than 400 dead street trees have been identified for removal from planting strips and other right-of-way locations throughout 15 neighborhoods. Property owners and neighborhood councils have been notified of upcoming proposed work, which will be completed by licensed arborists and tree services beginning this week. Replacement trees have been offered to all locations where dead trees are being removed.
Tree pruning will take place throughout these neighborhoods next year.
"Trees are more than just a part of our landscape – they provide clean air and shade. The Tree Equity Spokane initiative is a powerful step toward environmental justice and will help us in our mission to ensure every neighborhood can thrive,” said Mayor Lisa Brown.
“Investing in routine maintenance will improve the health and longevity of street trees and further enhance their environmental, social, human health and economic benefits,” said City of Spokane Urban Forester and Tree Equity Spokane Grant Manager Amber Ramirez. “Everyone in the City of Spokane should have access to the benefits that trees provide.”
While the 5-year grant project won’t be able to prune every park and street tree, the most urgent pruning will be completed, including the formative pruning of young trees to establish their strong structure, preventing major issues in the future.
Detailed information including project boundaries, timelines, and frequently asked questions can be found on the Tree Equity Spokane website. There is also a link to sign-up for free street trees.
Spokane Urban Forestry thanks its many partners and collaborators for this unique grant opportunity to deliver a better urban forest canopy to the Spokane community.
About City of Spokane Parks & Recreation
City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, natural lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.
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