DCNR Launches New PA Community Tree Assistance Program To Help Maintain A Healthy Tree Canopy; Interested Communities, Tree-Care Professionals Should Apply

On December 5, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources launched the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, a new initiative backed by $1.8 million in available funding for 2026. 

DCNR will hire and pay qualified tree-care professionals directly, eliminating the financial barrier that often prevents small towns, neighborhoods, and nonprofits from maintaining a healthy tree canopy.

“Healthy trees create healthy communities, and Governor Shapiro is investing in programs that expand access to the benefits trees provide,” said Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “By covering the costs of planting, maintenance, and long-term planning, we’re making it possible for every community to build a safe, vibrant, and resilient urban forest.”

Through the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, eligible communities, local governments, and nonprofits can request fully funded support for--

-- Planting new trees and caring for them as they grow

-- Pruning and maintaining existing trees to keep them healthy

-- Conducting tree inventories and developing long-term management plans

-- Inspecting and addressing tree hazards to improve public safety

Projects must take place in public or community spaces, such as parks, along streets, school grounds, or cemeteries. 

Projects typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, and smaller communities are encouraged to combine needs and apply together.

The program includes $1.8 million in funding for 2026, supported by the Keystone Tree Fund as well as other state and federal investments. 

Communities located within priority areas identified by federal and state environmental justice screening tools are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Priority areas can be viewed in the Layers tab on DCNR’s PATreeKeeper map. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact DCNR Urban and Community Forestry staff for assistance and to discuss the project before applying.

Once a project is approved, DCNR will manage the contracting process and hire pre-qualified arborists, foresters, and landscape professionals to complete the work.

The new program builds on the Shapiro Administration’s major investments in urban forestry and community revitalization.

 In 2024 alone, the Shapiro Administration awarded $10.5 million in tree-planting and habitat-conversion grants, advancing Governor Shapiro’s vision of strengthening communities, improving public spaces, and driving local economic growth.

Trees play a critical role in reducing energy costs, improving air quality, slowing stormwater runoff, reducing noise, and supporting wildlife — benefits that are especially important in underserved communities.

How to Apply - Communities

Communities and nonprofits can learn more or request support by visiting DCNR’s Urban and Community Forestry webpage, contacting their regional tree specialist, or watching the Community Forestry: Grant Opportunities webinar.

Tree-Care Professionals

Tree-care professionals can apply to join DCNR’s approved contractor list through the Commonwealth’s Invitation to Qualify program.

Keystone Tree Fund

Pennsylvanians can also support community tree-planting efforts by donating to the Keystone Tree Fund online or through the voluntary $3 check-off on driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals.

Click Here for the DCNR announcement.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website.  Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR Invests In Bauer Preserve To Improve Outdoor Recreation, Water Quality In Northampton County  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Invites Public Comments On Update Of Master Plan For Presque Isle State Park, Erie Bluffs State Park, Tom Ridge Environmental Center In Erie  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Launches New PA Community Tree Assistance Program To Help Maintain A Healthy Tree Canopy; Interested Communities, Tree-Care Professionals Should Apply  [PaEN]

-- DCNR, PA Wilds Center Sign 35-Year Lease To Operate Conservation Gift Shops In Kinzua Bridge State Park, Leonard Harrison State Park

-- DCNR Names Tracy Lambert New Manager For Hills Creek State Park Complex In PA Wilds

-- Governor’s Advisory Council For Hunting, Fishing & Conservation Seeks Candidates For Game Commission Board

-- Registration Open!  PA Environmental Educators Annual Conference March 8-10 In Gettysburg  [PaEN]

-- 8 PA Master Naturalists Complete Training As Climate Stewards In New Pilot Program  [PaEN] 

-- PA Firefly Festival Set For June 26-27 In Forest County, Ticket Raffle For Tours, Programs Opens Jan. 1; Festival Exhibits & Entertainment Will Now Be Open To Public  [PaEN]

-- PA Trout Unlimited, Keystone Trails Assn., Responsible Drilling Alliance Request DEP To Hold Hearing On Permit For PA General Energy 3.9 Mile Shale Gas Access Road/Staging Area In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Altoona Mirror: New Blair County Trail, Park & Recreation Authority Sets Up Office, Bylaws

-- TribLive: Oldest Tree In Allegheny County Stands A Little Mightier After Eagle Scout Project 

-- Inquirer: Penn’s Landing 12-Acre Cap/Park Over I-95 In Philadelphia 30% Complete, Cost Doubled To $500 Million

-- Republican Herald: 175-Acre Lake Wynonah Drawn Down For Seepage, Dam Issues

-- Warren Times: North Country Trail Association Recaps 2025 Projects [PDF of Article]

[Posted: December 5, 2025]  PA Environment Digest