Assembly Bill 879 aims to enhance Wisconsin's urban forestry grants program by introducing new provisions to address urban heat islands. The bill mandates the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to award grants of up to $100,000 to municipalities, federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands, and nonprofit organizations for tree planting initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of urban heat islands, which are defined as urban areas significantly warmer than their surrounding natural land. Additionally, the bill increases funding for the urban forestry grant program by $500,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year and allows DNR to implement emergency rules for administering the grant program.

The bill also expands the eligibility criteria for existing grants under the urban forestry program to include federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands, alongside municipalities and nonprofit organizations. It clarifies the types of projects eligible for funding, such as tree management plans and public education concerning trees, and establishes a streamlined process for grant approval, particularly for projects addressing damage from catastrophic storm events. The DNR is granted the authority to promulgate emergency rules without the usual requirements, facilitating quicker implementation of the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 23.097(1g), 23.097, 23.097(1r)