SALIDA, CO – The City of Salida is excited to announce that it has received grant funding through
the Colorado State Forest Service’s newly established Colorado Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Urban
& Community Forestry (UCF) grant program. This program, funded by the USDA Forest Service, aims
to expand tree canopies in disadvantaged areas across Colorado. The 2024 grant cycle is the first of
three rounds of funding over the next three years, with $1.6 million available in this initial year. The
City was awarded $250,000.
The grant program is designed to prioritize projects that build capacity and foster community
engagement to improve forest canopies in disproportionately impacted (DI) areas. These areas
have been identified through the federal Justice40 Initiative’s Climate and Economic Justice
Screening Tool. In Salida, neighborhoods such as the Oak Street corridor have been recognized as
DI areas, making them key targets for this initiative.
This project will focus on increasing the tree canopy within the rights-of-way and City easements
along the Oak Street/291 corridor. Through a collaborative effort involving multiple city departments
and with support from the City Tree Board, the project will implement an Urban Tree program. This
program will increase tree plantings, establish maintenance and pruning plans, and foster a sense
of community ownership and stewardship in these disadvantaged neighborhoods.
By enhancing the urban tree canopy in these areas, the City of Salida is not only improving the local
environment but also contributing to the overall well-being of its residents. The project aligns with
broader goals of sustainability and community development, ensuring that all areas of the city
benefit from green spaces and the associated environmental and social advantages.