Officials are seeking applications for tree-planting projects that could be supported through the Trees for Nebraska Towns Program.
The Nebraska Forest Service says applications will be accepted until Oct. 1. A total of $300,000 is available, with a $20,000 maximum per grant.
Project coordinator Justin Evertson says diseases, insect pests, bad weather and human neglect have cut the forest canopy of many Nebraska communities by 20 percent to 40 percent in the past 20
years.
Evertson says the program hopes to improve species diversity and encourage better tree maintenance.
Trees for Nebraska Towns is funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, a beneficiary of the Nebraska Lottery.
