How state and federal funding could impact Oregon’s urban forests

Oregon’s urban and community forestry program has grown significantly over the last few years thanks to an influx of state and federal funding. The program’s staff has more than tripled, and it recently received nearly $27 million in federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act. $10 million of that is earmarked for grants to Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes, and $12.5 million will go to communities and organizations across the state to help with tree planting and maintenance.

Scott Altenhoff is the urban and community forestry assistance program manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry. He joins us to talk about what those opportunities could mean for the state’s urban forests.