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Neighborhood Tree Act of 2023
1/26/2024, 5:14 AM
Summary of Bill S 1380
The Neighborhood Tree Act of 2023 proposes several key measures to achieve its goals. Firstly, it calls for the establishment of a grant program to provide funding to local governments and community organizations for tree planting initiatives. These grants would be used to purchase and plant trees in public spaces such as parks, streets, and school grounds.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the maintenance and care of newly planted trees, including watering, pruning, and pest control. It also encourages the use of native tree species that are well-suited to local climate and soil conditions, in order to promote biodiversity and resilience in urban forests. Furthermore, the Neighborhood Tree Act of 2023 emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education in tree planting efforts. It calls for the development of outreach programs to raise awareness about the benefits of trees, as well as training opportunities for volunteers and local residents to participate in tree planting and care activities. Overall, Bill 118 s 1380 aims to improve the quality of life in urban and suburban neighborhoods by increasing tree canopy coverage and promoting environmental sustainability. By investing in tree planting initiatives and community engagement, the legislation seeks to create healthier, more vibrant communities for all residents to enjoy.
Congressional Summary of S 1380
Neighborhood Tree Act of 2023
This bill provides for additional assistance to states, Indian tribes, units of local government, approved organizations, and local community tree volunteer groups to plant and maintain trees.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall establish a Neighborhood Tree Fund from which to provide assistance to such entities to increase and improve the overall health of the tree canopies in their communities.
In providing the assistance, USDA must give priority to those entities with proposed projects that include and prioritize tree planting and tree maintenance in underserved communities and neighborhoods, including those that are low-income or have a lower tree canopy.
The bill modifies the composition of the membership of the Forestry Advisory Council by (1) increasing the number of council members to 16, and (2) including as a member of the council one individual who is the resident of a low-income community.


