The Department of Natural Resources and the DTE Energy Foundation today announced that applications are available for this year's tree planting grant program. This grant program is funded by the DTE Energy Foundation, and administered by the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry Program.

The purpose of this program is to increase the number and variety of properly planted and maintained trees in Michigan communities. Trees improve the environment and quality of life. Planting trees also helps to reduce carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Through photosynthesis, trees convert carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight, into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

The DTE Energy Foundation is funding this program as part of its voluntary participation in the U.S. Department of Energy's Global Climate Challenge Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has commended the DTE Energy Foundation and the DNR for the creative partnership and leadership of their tree planting efforts. This program also reflects the DTE Energy Foundation's ongoing commitment to assisting communities with the replacement of ash trees lost due to the Emerald Ash Borer.

Eligible applicants include local units of government, non-profit organizations, tribes, and schools, who: 1) are located within the service territory of the DTE Energy Foundation's utility subsidiaries: Detroit Edison Electric and MichCon and 2) have not received a grant during the 2008 DTE grant cycle. Eligible projects include tree planting activities on public lands such as parks, right-of-ways, nature study areas, and school grounds plantings.

Matching grants of up to $3,000 each are awarded on a competitive basis. All grants require a dollar-for-dollar match, which can be made up of cash contributions or in-kind services, but may not include federal or state funds.

Grant applications must be received by Dec. 26, 2008, at the address below. Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.

For more information, and a grant application, visit the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry website at http://www.mi.gov/dnrucf, or contact Kevin Sayers, DNR Urban Forestry coordinator, at 517-241-4632, sayersk@michigan.gov, or DNR, Forest, Mineral & Fire Management, P.O. Box 30452 Lansing, MI 48909.