DNR Announces Recipients Of Wisconsin Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the recipients of the Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants to assist with damage sustained during statewide extreme storm events that took place June 21-25, 2024.

Catastrophic storm grants typically range from $4,000 to $50,000 and do not require a dollar-for-dollar match. Grants were distributed among the following seven communities and one nonprofit:

• Town of Delavan
• City of La Crosse
• City of Middleton
• City of Phillips
• City of Sheboygan
• City of Watertown
• Village of Williams Bay
• Friends of Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy

A total of $139,920 of state funding was available for this award cycle, and grant requests exceeded the amount of funding available. Each eligible applicant received at least partial funding and the maximum awarded was $29,841.

The DNR’s Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant program funds tree repair, removal or replacement within urban areas following a catastrophic storm event for which the governor has declared a State of Emergency under s. 323.10, Wis. Stats. 

This round of funding became available after Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #232 on June 28, declaring a State of Emergency following severe storms across the state.

Subsequent to this declaration, the Urban Forestry program allocated 20% of its available annual funds to aid communities, nonprofits and tribes, as directed by law.

A catastrophic storm is defined as damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind or tornado.

For more information on how to apply for future funding opportunities, please visit the DNR’s Urban Forestry Catastrophic Grants webpage.

For additional storm-damaged tree care resources, visit the DNR’s Tree Learning Center webpage.