Authority: IC 14-12-3-12; IC 14-12-3-13

Affected: IC 14-12-3-8

Sec. 3. (a) Project types that meet the eligibility requirements for a community forestry grant as set forth in section 2 of this rule are given funding priorities as set forth in this section.

(b) An applicant may propose a project or combination of projects to enhance the urban forest in a community or on a statewide basis. Priority is placed on projects that emphasize the development of a long term comprehensive, community forest program.

(c) The following projects are priority projects, listed in descending order from highest to least priority, to suggest what activities have priority for a community forestry program grant under this rule:

1. (1) Organize and fund an urban forestry committee or board.
2. (2) Develop informational events or publications to raise public awareness.
3. (3) Sponsor education and training programs.
4. (4) Undertake a sample or detailed tree inventory.
5. (5) Draft a public tree ordinance.
6. (6) Prepare a community forest management plan.
7. (7) Prepare guidelines for tree planting, maintenance, and removal.
8. (8) Planting trees on public lands.
9. (9) Employ or contract with an urban forester or other consultant to assist with urban forest management projects.
10. (10) Promote ways to manage and protect urban natural resources, including wildlife, soils, and water.
11. (11) Develop plans for urban wood waste recycling programs.
12. (12) Implement another project that improves planting, protection, and care of urban trees.
13. (13) Maintaining trees on public lands. The cost of maintenance cannot exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the grant amount.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 26-5-3; filed Dec 3, 1997, 3:45 p.m.: 21 IR 1283; readopted filed Nov 17, 2004, 11:00 a.m.: 28 IR 1315; readopted filed May 26, 2010, 10:37 a.m.: 20100609-IR-312100161RFA; readopted filed Sep 27, 2016, 1:53 p.m.: 20161026-IR-312160147RFA; readopted filed May 18, 2022, 10:15 a.m.: 20220615-IR-312220030RFA)