Massachusetts COMMBUYS #BD-27-1020-DCRFS-DC366-132960

Massachusetts DCR Urban & Community Forestry Tree Canopy Enhancement Grant for Tree Planting in Burdened Areas

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Urban & Community Forestry division is seeking grant applications for the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program, targeting tree planting projects in Burdened Areas statewide. - Government Buyer: - Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Urban & Community Forestry - Funding & Eligibility: - Grants funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program (Inflation Reduction Act resources) - Eligible applicants: municipalities, 501(c)3 nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes - Products & Services Requested: - Purchase and planting of large canopy trees (mature height >25 ft, caliper 1.5–2.5) - Associated materials: clean loam, mulch, watering bags/tanks, stakes - Tree pit excavation/restoration - Removal of impervious materials (concrete, asphalt) - Installation of pervious surfaces - Stump and tree removal - Maintenance during tree establishment (watering, pruning, mulching, weeding) - Public education initiatives (community outreach, informational materials, training) - Vacant municipal lot restoration (debris removal, impervious surface removal, tree planting) - Administrative costs (capped at 20% of project) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Projects must focus entirely on Burdened Areas and result in tree planting - Prioritize large canopy tree species; adhere to diversity guidelines (limits on species/genus/family) - ADA-compliant tree pits required - Use Massachusetts-grown wood products where feasible - Planting plan with measurable goals required - Grant recipients must attend a tree planting workshop - Reimbursement-based grant; applicants must use non-state funding sources - Partnerships encouraged; letters of support required for non-profit applicants - U.S. Forest Service and IRA must be acknowledged as funding sources - No specific OEMs or vendors named; applicants may subcontract to private contractors with certified arborists - Contract Value: - Grant awards range from $20,000 to $100,000 - Open to small businesses; distributed via Commbuys system

Description

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) of Massachusetts is soliciting grant applications to support tree planting efforts on public and private property in Burdened Areas across the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include municipalities, 501(c)3 organizations, and federally recognized tribes. The grant program aims to bring environmental, public health, and energy efficiency benefits through expanded tree canopy cover. The grant awards range from $20,000 to $100,000 and the contract duration is approximately one year with an option to renew. Applications must be submitted by November 2, 2026.

View original listing