Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Grants
Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Grants support Maine urban communities with ash tree removals and approved treatments to protect trees, address pest damage, and strengthen urban forest resilience.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates: December 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per community application; approximately $140,000 available, contingent on funding
Summary: Supports ash tree removals and approved treatments in Maine urban communities severely affected by emerald ash borer.
Key Information: Reimbursement-only funding generally requires a dollar-for-dollar nonfederal match; poverty-focused removal programs may receive match relief.
Description
The Maine Forest Service administers Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Grants through Project Canopy, with USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry assistance. The program restores and improves urban forests experiencing catastrophic losses from emerald ash borer, protecting existing trees and building resilience through tree diversity.
Funding is exclusively for management removals and approved treatments in the urban communities most severely affected. Eligible work includes removing infected street and park trees, preserving public ash trees through approved treatments within a broader ash management strategy, and removing private trees that threaten public infrastructure or dwellings. The program also seeks to strengthen sustainable community forestry programs, public awareness, partnerships, and comprehensive natural resource management.
