Anne Arundel County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a partnership to provide funds for forestry projects and land protection in Anne Arundel County. The goal of this program is to implement cost-effective reforestation and greening projects and increase the number of acres of protected forested land in the County. By increasing tree cover and expanding green areas, erosion can be reduced; water and soil quality can be improved; airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide can be filtered; and summer temperatures and resulting ozone pollution and energy use can be reduced. By protecting forested land, valuable ecological services such as habitat, water quality, and flood control can be ensured for the future.

What this funds: Projects that seek the reforestation/afforestation of lands already protected under permanent protection; the permanent protection of lands that are already forested; or reforestation/afforestation and permanent protection of lands that are currently uneased and unforested.

Who can apply: Land Trusts, land conservancies, faith-based organizations, community associations; service and civic groups, public agencies, public and independent higher educational institutions, and other 501(c)3 private nonprofit organizations (e.g., focused on a conservation).

How much can be awarded: Funding available is $400,000 for Forestry and Greening and up to $1,000,000 for Forested Land Protection – Permanent Conservation Easements. Reimbursement cannot be made for already completed projects.

Is match required? Match is encouraged, but not required.