State Forestry Awards $6,000 for Tree Planting in Raton

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico State Forestry Division’s Forest Re-Leaf Program awarded $6,000 in grant funding to plant trees in Raton as part of the third phase of the city’s downtown urban forestry project, according to the Division’s Urban and Community Forester Jennifer Dann.  

 “The City of Raton has been actively working on revitalizing their historic downtown. They recognize that trees can aid in economic development by attracting new business as well as creating a customer friendly experience,” said Dann. “We’re pleased to be working with city officials and economic development groups like GrowRaton, who understand the important role trees play in the overall health of New Mexico communities.” 

 The Raton Urban Forestry Project will include planting 14 trees and 36 shrubs along the sidewalks in the downtown area, adding to previous plantings that were funded through Re-Leaf grants in 2012 and 2013. The plantings will transform the sidewalk in front of nine historic store fronts on the west side of First Street between Rio Grande and Cook Avenues.

 Awards for up to $6,000 per community were made to projects in five communities across New Mexico. These funds, administered by New Mexico State Forestry, support valuable community tree planting efforts aimed at improving the environment, educating citizens, and beautifying public places. This year’s grant recipients include the communities of Corona, Farmington, Raton, Rio Rancho and Taos. The statewide grant total for 2014 is $20,587.

 New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf was established in 1990 to provide a tree-planting grant program for public entities such as public schools, cities, towns, counties, soil and water conservation districts, rural fire districts and others. New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf fills a budgetary void for these entities that lack tree-planting funds. Since its inception, New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf has awarded more than $600,000 for tree-planting and education efforts. 

 New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf is solely funded through private donations from individuals, businesses and corporations. Donations can be made through a “New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf” check-off box on the New Mexico Individual Income Tax Form, Schedule D. There is also a donation check-off box on the Forestry Division’s Seedling sales order form. Donations can also be made online at nmforestry.com or by contacting the New Mexico State Forestry Division at (505) 476-3332 or at 1220 South St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87504.

2014/2015 Grant Cycle Project Awards

Rainbow Community Park Tree Expansion – City of Rio Rancho – $2,025

Trees for the Performing Arts – Rio Rancho Public Schools – $950

Raton Urban Forestry Project – Grow Raton – $6,000

Heartwood Coalition Parr Field Orchard Project – Rivers and Birds (Taos) – $6,000

Simpson/Sloan Community Park and Cemetery – Village of Corona – $5,612

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection

and renewable energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies.

1220 South St. Francis Drive ▪ Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

Phone (505) 476-3325 ▪ Fax (505) 476-3330 ▪ www.emnrd.state.nm.us/sfd