The Montana Urban and Community Forestry Association (MUCFA), with funding from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) through an Inflation Reduction Act grant is offering support to four rural, low income, and/or low canopy communities with populations under 5,000. Assistance includes tree inventories, tree care and management plans, pruning, hazard tree removal and replacement, and tree planting for species diversification.

​

Program Purpose

The continuum of Tree Care is MUCFA's approach for meeting communities exactly where they are in their urban forestry efforts. Every community may be at a different stage, some have active tree boards and updated inventories, while others are just beginning to organize or revive their tree care efforts. Our program is designed to support communities at any stage while helping them move toward long term management.

​

A current tree inventory and a tree care and management plan forms the first step of this continuum. These tools give communities a clear picture of what trees they have, their condition, and what actions are most needed. With this information, communities can make strategic, informed decisions about activities such as small and large tree pruning cycles, trees of critical safety concern, and planting locations for species diversification and improve canopy equity which is ensuring trees are planted in areas with low tree cover.

​

Communities that do not yet have an inventory or an updated one may still request support for advanced activities. However, because these activities rely on accurate tree data, applicants must explain the urgency or special circumstances, such as immediate public safety risks, storm damaged trees, or critical hazard removals, that justify moving ahead before completing an inventory and management plan. This continuum approach ensures that every funded activity is strategic and aligns with long term community care, while still allowing flexibility for communities facing urgent needs.

​

What the Program Supports

 

* Tree Inventories - Communities can apply for conducting or updating an inventory. MUCFA will provide a tree inventory consultant to lead the work, while communities must dedicate at least two staff or volunteers to help collect the data and learn how to keep the inventory updated over time. Awarded communities receive a tablet for ongoing inventory management. Communities applying for an inventory must also commit to developing a tree care and management plan.

​

*Tree Care & Management Plans -  MUCFA will provide a management plan consultant to guide the development of the plan, which is based on a current tree inventory (updated within the last 5 years). Plans are tailored to each community but typically include: analysis of tree inventory data, recommended tree care and maintenance practices, pruning cycles, a list of desirable and undesirable species, identification of trees requiring priority management, and strategies for public education and community involvement. Awarded communities must have staff, tree/park board members, or volunteers available to dedicate time towards providing input into the plan.

​

*Medium & Large Tree Pruning - This support is available to communities with a current inventory, unless justification is provided. MUCFA will fund a contractor to perform pruning. Although not required, communities are encouraged to dedicate public works staff or facility/maintenance staff to assist with the cleanup so more trees can be pruned within the project scope.

​

*Hazard Tree Removal & Replacement - This support is available to communities with a current inventory, unless justification is provided that the trees provide a critical safety risk due to structural defects, disease, or storm damage. MUCFA will fund a contractor for hazard tree removal. Communities are encouraged to assist with the cleanup to maximize the number of trees that can be removed and replaced. MUCFA recommends replacing two trees for every removal and can support the purchase of trees and planting supplies (e.g. fencing, mulch, water bags). Communities should provide staff or volunteers to plant replacement trees with MUCFA's guidance.

​

*Tree Planting for Species Diversification - Limited funds are available for tree planting for species diversification. Communities interested in planting trees are encouraged to apply for one or more primary activities (such as inventories, management plans, pruning, or hazard removals) and include a small planting component within their project. Typical planting support covers up to approximately $1,000 in trees and supplies. Communities must provide the planting labor. MUCFA offers a hands-on planting workshop and consultant guidance to support successful planting and establishment. These activities can include city employees, public works,  park and tree boards, school districts and volunteer townspeople. 

​

Additional Community Capacity Support

 * Establishing or rejuvenating a tree board

 * Create or update guiding documents such as tree board charter and tree ordinance.

 * Trainings on tree planting, small and large tree pruning, tree selection, etc.

​

*Funding - Typical funding amounts are between $4500 - $6000 for consultation/contractor time and tree purchase. This amount covers consultant, or contractor time and tree planting costs only: training and additional support are budgeted separately.

​

*Fund Management - MUCFA directly manages all grant funds and pays consultants, contractors, and operational expenses on behalf of awarded communities. Funds are not distributed to communties.

​

*Matching Funds -  No financial cash match is required. However, awarded communities must commit staff or volunteer time to participate in meetings, planning sessions, trainings, and implementation activities.

​

Eligibility & Requirements

 * Community population under 5,000

 * Must qualify as a low income and/or low canopy community. Please confirm this through this mapping tool - areas shaded purple or yellow qualify.

 * Must engage staff, tree board members, or other volunteers.

 * Must identify a primary individual to oversee the coordination and implementation with MUCFA.

​

Timeline

 * August 24:  Call for applications

 * September 30:  Application deadline

 * October 1-4:  Review Committee Evaluation

 * October 5-9:  Award notification and memorandum of agreement (MOA)

 * October 9, 2026 - December 31, 2027:  Project implementation

 * December 31, 2027:  Final reporting

​

Application Process

 * Submission: Applications can be submitted online or via email to MUCFA.web@gmail.com

​

 *Technical Grant Writing  Assistance: Applicants may receive up to two 1-hour coaching sessions for writing their application and project planning. Please make requests to MUCFA.info@gmail.com  no later that September 25, 2026