Rhode Island Tree Council Receives Grant Through American Resource and Reinvestment Act

Forest Sustainability Project to improve forest health in cities, provide urban forest training, and increase green industry employment The Rhode Island Tree Council recently announced that it has received a grant through the American Resource and Reinvestment Act of 2009 designed to let the organization assess and improve the state’s forest health, provide urban forestry training, and promote, maintain, and increase green employment in economically distressed regions.  John Campanini, the Council’s technical director, made the announcement. He will spearhead the project. The Forest Sustainability Project calls for the Tree Council to implement activities designed to achieve project goals and objectives. Planned activities include: Conducting community-based tree surveys Planting trees and other woody ornamentals Performing care on established woody plants Conducting training workshops Developing management planning documents The Forest Sustainability Project also calls for local project vendors to be used where professional assistance is required. Vendors include tree nurseries, professional tree care companies, and landscape contractors. Other local vendors will provide survey logistics and database management, and prepare landscape plans. The Council has already assembled a team of college graduates and unemployed green industry workers to conduct street tree, exotic pest (Asian longhorned beetle and Emerald ash borer), and storm damage surveys. In addition, the Forest Sustainability Project calls for the Tree Council to provide $10,000 to $20,000 worth of services and supplies to seven Rhode Island cities—Warwick, Woonsocket, Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Central Falls, and Warren. Campanini is president of Tree Technologies, a Providence firm. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island and a native Rhode Islander, Campanini is a leading authority on urban forestry. He has given numerous presentations on urban forestry throughout the country and has been the technical director of the Rhode Island Tree Council since 2004. Previously, Campanini was city forester for Providence until retiring in 2003. The Rhode Island Tree Council is a non-profit, tax-exempt group dedicated to improving the state's tree resources. Composed of members, professional consultants, and volunteers, the Council administers its programs through its Board of Directors, Advisors, and Trustees. The council's mission is to create healthy urban and community forests, which underpin the state’s verdant ecological tapestry, support its vibrant economy, and enrich the lives of resident's. Membership is open to all. For more information on the RITree Council's Forest Sustainability Project, contact Jeanne, Rhode Island Tree Council, P.O. Box 6144, Providence, RI 02940. Tel: 401-484-2555. Fax: 401-764-5886. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it