Senate Bill 867 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 projects specifically designed to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, which are urban areas significantly warmer than their surrounding natural landscapes. 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 the administration of these grants.

The bill also clarifies the eligibility criteria for grant recipients, explicitly including federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands for all types of grants under the existing program. It renumbers and amends existing statutes to incorporate these changes, including the definition of "urban heat island" and the conditions under which grants can be awarded for tree management and storm damage recovery. Notably, the bill exempts grant recipients from having to pay any percentage of the costs to receive funding for storm-related tree damage, streamlining the process for municipalities and organizations seeking financial assistance for urban forestry initiatives.

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