November 4, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The City of Billings Parks and Recreation Department is proud to begin investing in urban forestry with a tree planting at the new 1889 Brewing Company on Thursday, November 7th, at 10:00 am. The public is welcome to attend the event taking place in the EBURD neighborhood at 204 N. 13th St.
In 2024, the Forestry Division received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service to undertake urban forestry activities in disadvantaged areas around Billings. The target areas include South Billings, portions of the midtown areas, and the EBURD district—just east of the downtown core.
The tree planting at 1889 Brewing Company will be the first of many trees planted along boulevards in areas with significant concrete and paved surfaces. Trees will be planted in partnership with property owners, who will take over maintenance and care after a 3-year period of watering and maintenance carried out by contractors.
The U.S. Forest Service grant is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. The award will support the expansion of our urban tree canopy in disadvantaged areas around Billings. Funds will be used to plant new boulevard trees, prune existing trees and remove unsafe or unhealthy trees from the area.
The urban forestry initiative will focus on neighborhoods and pedestrian areas with a high percentage of impervious (paved or hard surface) surfaces. The selected trees would be of appropriate species for the area. One important aspect of this grant is engaging the community. The Forestry Division will be recruiting volunteers to get involved with planting and tree care. Other aspects of the work will be contracted or carried out by City staff.
The Parks and Recreation Department understands the many benefits that trees provide to our park users and community as a whole. From providing shade to storm water management, urban temperature regulation to increasing property values, trees have a larger impact on our everyday lives than we often recognize. Billings Parks are home to over 10,000 trees. Throughout the year, our Forestry staff expects to plant hundreds more young trees across city parks. E5P
