New Jersey
Community Stewardship Incentive Program
Grant Application
2008
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Parks and Forestry
New JerseyForest Service
Community Forestry Program
Deadline: December 5, 2008
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New Jersey
Community Stewardship Incentive Program
Grant Application
2008
Introduction
The New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act was passed on December 5, 1996. The act established the New Jersey Community Forestry Program within the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Parks and Forestry under the direction of the State Forester. A primary goal of the program is to enhance the ability of all county and municipal governments to care for and manage their shade trees and community forests through technical and financial assistance. This actalsoestablished a Community Forestry Council to advise the State Forester on community forestry issues.
The Act directed the State Forester, with the advice and assistance of the Council, to make available to local governments a procedure for obtaining approval of Community Forestry Management Plans. The Legislature recognized that local governments had experienced recurring and damaging exposure to litigation due to the drastic decline and poor condition of the community tree resource; and that properly planned and implemented local community forestry programs could provide the necessarybasis forprotection from this liability. Therefore provisions were added at N.J.S.A. 59:4-10 that enabled a local government to reduce or eliminate its liability for an injury or death caused directly or indirectly by a tree or shrub if the local government implemented a properly planned local forestry program under a state approved Community Forestry Management Plan and participated in the state’s community forestry training skills and accreditation program.
A Community Forestry Management Plan is an essential guide to successfully achieving a healthy and safe community forest. A municipality or county with a management plan in place can become more proactive and efficient with their tree care program. The goal of these Community Stewardship Incentive Program (CSIP) grants is to provide funds to help municipalities and counties carry out the practices that are priorities in their plans and accomplish their management goals. Grant awards will be made on a competitive basis. Only municipalities and counties with Approved Statusunder the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act for the 2008 calendar year are eligible fora CSIP grant. A municipality must satisfy the four requirements for Approved Status. The four requirements that a municipality must satisfy are the implementation of a current approved Community ForestryManagement Plan, the CORE Training of two individuals, the updating of yearly CEU requirements, and the submission of an Annual Accomplishment Report
Funding
The 2008 CSIP grants are being fundedwith $500,000 from the “Treasure Our Trees” license plate fund. The grants will be administered by the Community ForestryProgram, with the advice and assistance of the Community Forestry Council. The maximum grantamount that will beawarded to a municipality or county will be $25,000. The applicant mustagree to provide amatch, which may beeither an in-kind or cash contributionthat is greater than or equal to 25% of the total project amount. The total project amount is determined by dividing .75 into the amount requested. For example, the total project amount for a municipality requesting $18,000.00 would be $18,000.00/.75 equaling $24,000.00
The matching contribution by the applicant must be from sources other than thestate government (please see the section below entitled Project Budget). Payment of the grant awardshall be made to successful applicants in the form of a reimbursement after the project has been completed.
Community Stewardship Incentive Program Goals
Encourage municipalities to extend and expand their current tree care programs.
Help address new tree resource issues that become priorities in the management
plan.
Create partnerships to continue the project without additional funding.
Increase environmental, social, and economic benefits to communities through
trees.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to applyfor the CSIP funding your municipality or county must meet certain requirements.
1)The municipality or county must satisfy four requirements forApproved Status
(See Appendix A)
- Municipality has an approved Community Forestry Management Plan.
- Two Core Trained Individuals
- Maintain yearly CEU requirements
- Submit an Annual Accomplishment Report
2) A grantee will not be eligible for a current CSIP grant if they have not completed a
previous CSIP grant.
3)The grantee must agree, at a minimum, to match 25% of the
total project amount with cash and/or in-kind services.
4) The project proposal must addressoneor more of the CSIP practices in the approved
Community Forestry Management Plan.
5) All blanks in the application form must be completed.
6) Only one (1) grant application may be submitted by a municipality or county;
however anapplication may address more than one CSIP practice. Grant applicants
may select fromany of the thirteen CSIP practices listed on the CSIP 2008
applicationform.
*Please note that all CSIP practices are subject to on-site inspection and review.
7) The funding requested in a grant application must be less than or equal to $25,000.
8) The grant application must be postmarked or hand delivered by December 5, 2008.
9) One original and two copies of the entire grant proposal package must be submitted.
10) The application must be signed by the mayor or county administrator to indicate
support of the project by the municipality or county.
11) The applicant organization (i.e., the municipal or county unit submitting the
application)must be in compliance with all previous New JerseyForest Service
grants.
12) For each of the CSIP practices proposed, the applicationmust include
a separate narrative and budget. The narrative must outline the scope of work for that
CSIPpractice;and the budget must specify the costs involved, and whether each of
the costs would be met by grant funding as well as through the applicant’s match
(cash, in-kind, or cash and in-kind contribution) (See Appendix I).
Application Instructions
The grant application package MUST include a completed 2008 CSIP grant applicationform; and a project narrativeand project budgetfor each of the CSIP practices proposed to be addressed. Any additional materials determined necessary by the applicant may be included in an appendix.
2008 CSIP Grant Application
The 2008 CSIP grant application form is included in this grant announcement. It must be completed in full and include the signature of a representative of the applicantorganization. The mayor or county administrator, as applicable,must also sign the form to indicatesupport for the proposed project.
Project Narrative
*For each CSIP practice proposed to be addressed, a project narrative must be submitted using the following format to describe the project. This narrative should be no more than three (3) pages in length (one sided).
Project Title: Indicate the specific name of the project.
CSIP Practice: The CSIP practice proposed to be addressed (selected from the thirteen
CSIP practices listed on the 2008 CSIP application form).
Proposal Summary: Briefly describe the purpose of the project,the scope of work, and
the costs associated with the project.
Introduction: Describe the municipal or county unit which is the applicant organization.
Problem Statement: Define the problem(s) this project will address.
Project Goals and Objectives: Describe the project and how it fits into your
Community Forestry Management Plan.
Timeline: List the anticipated implementation milestones for the project from grant approval to project completion.
Project Method: Describe the scope of work, the methods to be employed and the personnel being used to accomplish the objectives of the project.
Evaluation Plan: Describe how to determine the effectiveness of the project as related to Community Forestry Management Plan goals.
Project Budget
*Foreach CSIP practice proposed to be addressed, a project budget must be submitted. The budget must show how the total project amount will be allocated(See Appendix I).
The budget should be consistent with the project proposal and should list all items and services for the project. The budget must include both the amounts to be covered by the requested grant and the amounts to be covered by the applicant’s match.
Clearly indicate all costs for purchasing non-personnel supplies and equipment related to the project. Any unusual expenses should be thoroughly described and explained.
In-kind Contributions to theMatch
In the budget for each CSIP practice proposed, the Grantee’s match (cash, in-kind services, or both cash and in-kind) must be specified. The match must equal or exceed 25% of the total project amount for the CSIP practice. The budget should identify the sources of all in-kind contributions that will be used to meet the applicant’s required match. In-kind contributions, such as donated services or materials, should be included in the budget. The accepted general volunteer rate for hourly work is $19.51/hour. Professional rates may be used as long as the individual donating his or her time is actually working within their professional scope of work, i.e. a landscape designer drawing a plan or a Certified Tree Expert consulting on tree selection(See Appendix I).
Appendices
An applicant may include additionalsupporting documents in an appendix to the grant application package. The following are examples of supporting documents: proposed project staff and job descriptions, project timelines, letters of support, material price quotes, conceptual diagrams, maps, illustrative materials, equipment specifications, key staff resumes, etc. All supporting items must accompany the grant application. No items sent under a separate cover will be accepted.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is December 5, 2008.
If mailed, the application must be submitted to “2008 CSIP Grant”,Attention: Joseph Bennett, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry, New Jersey Forest Service, 501 East State Street P.O. Box 404, Trenton, NJ 08625-0404.” Applications must be postmarked no later thanDecember 5, 2008.
If hand delivered, the application must be addressed as above and submitted to Joseph Bennett on the 4th Floor of Building 5 at 501 East State Street in Trenton no later than 4:00 P.M. on December 5, 2008. Please place the following note on the lower left corner of the front of your sealed package: “2008 CSIPGrant”.
Evaluation Process
The Community Forestry Program staff will determine which of the applications submitted meet the eligibility requirements listed above. All applications fulfilling the eligibility requirements will be provided for review to themembers of the New Jersey Community Forestry Council or their designated representatives. The Council will utilize the following criteria to evaluate each project proposal:
Clarity, thoroughness, and conciseness of proposal
- Clarity of budget
- Reasonable and justifiable budget elements
- Relevance to the approved Community Forestry Management Plan
- Benefits to the community
If an application addresses more than one CSIP practice, the proposal for each practice will be evaluated separately. Based on its review and evaluation, the Council will forward to the State Forester its recommendations as to which proposals should be funded. Final award decisions will be made by the State Forester.
Award Notification
The New Jersey Forest Service shall make award announcements during the month of January 2009. Each applicant will be notified of their final status and, if selected, the amount of their award. Grants will be awarded to those proposals that meet the eligibility criteria and are rated highest on the Evaluation Criteria given above.
Additional Information
If you have questions pertaining to the Community Stewardship Incentive Program that are not addressed in this application package, you may contact Joseph Bennett at 609- 292-6536. New Jersey Forest Service will provide technical assistance.
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(Allblanks must be filled in order to be eligible)
Amount of Grant Requested: ______Municipality[1]: ______
Amount of Matching Contribution: ______County: ______
Total Project Amount: ______Federal ID Number: ______
Applicant Organization Name: ______
Organization Mailing Address: ______
Contact Telephone Numbers: ______Fax: ______
E-mail Address: ______
Contact Name and Title: ______
Type of Accounting Records of Applicant Organization(County or Municipality):
Cash BasisModified AccrualAccrual BasisOther:______
Applicant Organization’s Fiscal Year End Date: ______
Financial Officer Name and Title: ______
If our project could not be fully funded, we would accept a lesser grant amount.YESNO
CSIP Practices
CSIP #1 Plan Preparation CSIP #8 Tree Maintenance
CSIP #2 Training CSIP #9 Tree Recycling
CSIP #3 Public Education & Awareness CSIP #10 Ordinance Establishment
CSIP #4 Arbor Day Activities CSIP #11 Tree Care Disaster Plan
CSIP #5 Assessment/Inventory CSIP #12 Insect & Disease Mgt.
CSIP #6 Tree Hazard Identification Plan CSIP #13 Other______
CSIP #7 Tree Planting (describe)
As designated representative of the above organization, I hereby agree that this project shall be implemented within the agreed upon time frame. I pledge that within 30 days after completion of the proposed project, the organization shall submit a report documenting the project’s costs to the New Jersey Forest Service for review and approval. I understand that reimbursement by the New Jersey Forest Service will be initiated after the report is received and approved.
Signature: ______Date: ______
Person Submitting Application
As official representative of the above municipality or county under whose auspicesthe project is being completed, I hereby authorize the project submitted for this proposed CSIP grant.
Signature: ______Date: ______
Mayor or CountyAdministrator Signature, Title
Tree Planting Projects
Tree Planting Requirements
1)All planting proposals and supporting documents will be submitted on 8 1/2 x 11 paper
2)Grantee agrees to utilize a qualified professional consultant to oversee the purchasing and planting of trees.
3)Grantee agrees to provide and follow a three year maintenance plan insuring that the trees planted will be watered, and cared for properly. Proper care of the trees shall include the minimizing of damage due to mowers and trimmers.
4)Tree Planting Agreement Form
5)Grantee will comply with all criteria listed in theNew Jersey Community Forestry
Program’sCSIP Tree Planting Specifications with an emphasis on wire basket removal.
Comprehensive Planting Plan
A comprehensive planting plan must be provided and shall include the following components:
- Landscape Plan: Provide a map or plan showing the specific locations of all proposed plantings on the project site. These illustrative materials may be of any scale that will show the detail necessary to describe the proposed project and provide a tree planting diagram illustrating the method to be used for planting each tree (See Attachment D).
- Photographs showing the project site: These photographs must allow the grant reviewer to visualize the area and proposed tree locations. Location and view of photograph should be noted on the landscape plan.
- Plant Schedule: Include a plant schedule indicating the quantity of trees, scientific name of trees, common nameof trees, the caliper size (diameter measured 6 inches above ground level) of the trees, and any comments specific to tree selection. The plant schedule will not be accepted if it is only on the application’s landscape plan. A separate document must be included (See Appendix G). Please be aware of Fall dig hazards when selecting trees to plant.
- Long-Term Maintenance Plan: Each project must have a 3-year maintenance schedule that outlines the work to be performed, the frequency of the work and the department or person who will carry it out, and the cost associated with it for personnel (See Appendix H).
- Professional to oversee the purchase and planting: This professional may be a Certified Tree Expert, Landscape Architect, landscape contractor, master gardener, or any other professional in the field of horticulture or arboriculture whose education or experience includes proper tree planting techniques. The person’s qualifications must be included in the project narrative.
Oversight will consist of three areas of the project:
Approving the quality & handling of the plant material delivered to the project site
Approving the size and location of the planting hole
Approving the method of tree installation.
The selected qualified professional will be required to sign a form attesting that the quality of plant material and planting was done according to the New Jersey Community Forestry Program’s CSIP Tree Planting Specifications. The form shall be returned by the grantee as part of the final expenditure report documentation. Payment of the balance of the grant shall be disbursed to the grantee when proper project cost documentation and the project approval form has been submitted and approved.
Tree Planting Inspections
If CSIP practice #7, tree planting, is chosen, the grantee will be subject to an initial tree planting inspection. This inspection should be scheduled with New Jersey Forest Service’s Grants Coordinator/Foresterfor the date that the planting project begins. If this is not possible, then the initial inspection should be scheduled two weeks to a month after the planting takes place. In order to receive a passing inspection, a grantee needs to receive a survival rating of 90% or higher and have adhered to the New Jersey Community Forestry Program’s CSIP Tree Planting Specifications. (See Appendix B)
Documents to Bring to Tree Planting Inspection