City of Toccoa Receives Tree Planting Grant

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact: Jeremy Ward, 706.898.6145
Date: October 25 th , 2023
RE: ReLeaf Grant

TOCCOA, GA – September 25, 2023 – The City of Toccoa is excited to announce that it has been awarded a Georgia ReLeaf grant from the Georgia Tree Council and the Georgia Forestry Commission, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. This grant is focused on urban tree plantings and giveaways, with the end goal of improving the environment, economic, and social health of Georgia communities.

With the grant funds, the City will plant eighty-two dogwoods, redbuds, serviceberries, and sugar maples along portions of several streets in town, including Pond Street, Sage Street, and Currahee Street. Planning staff have worked in conjunction with arborists from the Georgia Tree Council and elsewhere to ensure a suitable planting plan.

In addition, the Planning Department will be giving away twenty white oak trees to local residents in conjunction with our Arbor Day celebration on February 16 th , 2024. This giveaway will commemorate the twentieth year of Toccoa’s designation as a Tree City USA, and will be targeted at residents living in neighborhoods near the plantings.

“This is our fifth grant received from the Georgia Forestry Commission during my time here,” stated Community Development Director Connie Tabor. “This new grant will enable us to further our overall plan of creating a tree canopy in our city and improving our environmental health.”

“This is one of those opportunities that will yield benefits for Toccoa for years to come,” added Assistant Planning Director Jeremy Ward. “At no cost to the City, these tree plantings will bring needed beauty and shade to several streets leading into downtown.” The Planning Department is happy to answer any questions regarding this program. Please contact Jeremy Ward at 706.898.6145 with any inquiries.

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