The Missouri Department of Conservation recently presented Mayor Steve Hutcheson and the City of Houston with a $1,290 check from a Missouri TRIM program which allowed for the completion of a tree inventory of Emmett Kelly Park, West Side Park, Covert Park and the Pine Lawn Cemetery.
It consisted of identifying each individual tree by species, diameter, height and condition, while also designating a tree identification number.
The TRIM program provides grants to assist government agencies, public schools and non-profit groups with the management, improvement or conservation of trees on public lands. To receive the grant the City of Houston had to submit a complete application that detailed project cost and plans for implementation.
These types of projects for funding are selected on a competitive basis. Judges assess each proposal for its value to the community, worth as a management program, as well as the way it could improve and develop a community’s urban forest and economic feasibility.