08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 17:17
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR |
DAWN CHANG |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2024
HAWAIʻI URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROJECTS AWARDED FUNDING
(HONOLULU) - Seven forestry projects have been selected by Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry, a program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), to receive funds to strengthen community connections with trees. Funding from Kaulunani will support these projects on Kauaʻi, Maui, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island over the next three years.
The awards bring awareness to the positive impacts that forests and trees provide to help create healthy and resilient communities. Among the many benefits, urban trees provide clean air and water, cooling shade, iconic natural beauty and improve physical and mental well-being. The selected projects inspire tree protection and urban forestry management, engage and educate community members at native forest restoration sites and provide technical support to help fruit tree growers maximize yields and minimize waste.
DOFAW Administrator David Smith said, "The department recognizes the cultural, ecological and economic values that community trees provide. We are proud to partner on these projects and support expanded work to foster vitality in communities of trees and people."
The following is a list of the projects awarded:
Kauaʻi
Maui
Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island
"Commitment to urban and community forests is critical at all scales, from global to local," said Dr. Heather McMillen, Kaulunani program coordinator. "Federal funding for urban and community forestry projects has been at record levels and now the state of Hawaiʻi has stepped up to demonstrate its commitment here at home. People increasingly recognize the need to grow the forest around us-where we live, work, learn and play. Communities that are growing healthy trees understand that trees grow healthy communities."
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RESOURCES
(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)
Photographs - Kaulunani Grant Program (various dates):
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w50pw7tkctbh6vv/AABJz3Tx_cZ_GaXyJkLL2yfva?st=g7g37dc8&dl=0
For any questions about the urban and community forestry projects contact Koki Atcheson, IRA Community Partnerships Coordinator, at [email protected].
Kaulunani webpage: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/kaulunani/.
Media Contact:
Ryan Aguilar
Communications Specialist
Hawai'i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources