Salinas Celebrates U.S. Forest Service Grants to Salem, Oregon Department of Forestry

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. House Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service will award two essential grants for Oregon’s Sixth District: $1 million to the City of Salem, and $22,857,196 to the Oregon Department of Forestry. These grants will be used to help plant and maintain more trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to green spaces in our communities.

“Making our communities more resilient to climate change is existentially important, and I’m proud to see more funding coming to Oregon that will help us accomplish that goal,” said Rep. Salinas. “Thanks to these investments, the City of Salem and Oregon Department of Forestry will be able to plant more trees and expand our green spaces. I am also glad to learn that native trees grown in Oregon nurseries will be prioritized. All in all, these grants represent a win not only for greener cities and healthier people, but also for Oregon’s vital nursery industry and our state’s economy as a whole.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Salinas for fighting for our community and for her work to curb the catastrophic effects of climate change. These funds will be instrumental in helping our local efforts,” said Salem Mayor Chris Hoy.

Studies show that trees in communities are associated with improved physical and mental health, lower average temperatures during extreme heat, and increased food security, and create new economic opportunities. This historic funding will help the Forest Service support projects that increase tree cover in disadvantaged communities, provide equitable access to the benefits of nature, and deliver tangible economic and ecological benefits to urban and Tribal communities in Oregon and across the country.

To learn more about this funding opportunity, click here.

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