“It’s an honor to join the Advisory Council for the National Urban and Community Forestry Program,” said David Armijo, Chief of Programs. “I’m excited to be able to have a seat at the table and advocate for Latino communities as the council develops the National Ten-Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan.”
The council will develop the National Ten-Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026) in conjunction with the public as a guidance document for the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, state urban forestry programs, and partners. In addition, they will also develop grant categories for the Urban and Community Forestry grant program, which are derived from the action plan’s seven goals, and recommend which grant proposals the Forest Service should consider for funding.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service awarded more than $1 billion in competitive grants through the Urban and Community Forestry Program. In November 2023, Hispanic Access Foundation and the other awardees announced their participation. They will be working towards advancing the mission of Justice40, to deliver 40% of the program’s investments through established and new partnerships working to support disadvantaged communities experiencing low tree canopy and environmental justice issues.
“For more than a decade, Hispanic Access has catapulted our trust-based community networks into action by providing access, capacity, and the belief to create beneficial changes in their communities,” said Hispanic Access Foundation President and CEO Maite Arce. "The support from the IRA will equip our communities with not only more trees and plants in underserved neighborhoods, but also the knowledge and resources to become engaged in urban forestry.”
The members of the council will continue implementing the current action plan and initiate development of the next action plan (2027-2037). For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/deliver/secretary-appoints-new-members-national-urban-and-community.