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Forestry official outlines tree grants, canopy mapping and Tree City steps for Atlantic Beach
Summary
Ann Huyler of the South Carolina Forestry Commission told the Town Council Atlantic Beach can apply for several urban forestry grants (including canopy mapping, education and tree-code audits) and described a tree-planting grant that would reimburse 80% of project costs and the Tree City application standards and timeline.
At the July 7 Town Council meeting Ann Huyler, Urban Forestry Specialist for the Pee Dee region with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, urged Atlantic Beach to pursue available urban forestry grants and technical assistance to preserve and expand the town's tree canopy.
Huyler told council the commission offers several grant types. Four grants commonly available through the Green Infrastructure Center include canopy mapping, an education campaign, ecosystem-services assessment and a tree-code audit; those four are typically provided at no cost to the municipality via the center. She said those products give the town a baseline map of canopy cover and “plantable areas” that can be used to monitor changes over 10–30 years.
Huyler also described additional Forestry Commission grants that would be administered directly by the state. She said one tree-planting grant will reimburse towns for 80% of project costs and noted application schedules: a statewide webinar in October and application surveys in November. For Tree City (Arbor Day Foundation) recognition, Huyler said the application window runs from September through December and listed four standards, including a public tree ordinance, a tree board, a proclamation scheduling an Arbor Day and spending $2 per capita on tree-related work.
Councilwoman Carla Taylor tied the presentation to Atlantic Beach's ongoing comprehensive plan and land-management work and said pursuing grants and code review would be timely. Huyler offered to help with applications and to return to council for further discussion.
Why it matters: canopy mapping, tree-code audits and reimbursable planting grants can help Atlantic Beach preserve shade, reduce stormwater impacts and support community quality of life as development pressure changes land use. Huyler emphasized trees as part of municipal infrastructure and encouraged council and staff to participate in the October webinar and November application process.
What happens next: Interested town staff and officials should provide contact information for the webinar, consider applying for canopy mapping and the technical-assistance grants, and follow Huyler's guidance on Tree City application requirements.
