The purpose of this program is to "plant and care for trees in watersheds, stream banks, parking lots, streets, housing developments, brownfields and schools to restore ecological health." Because ecological health means economic growth, oh wait, money doesn't grow on trees. Or so I've been told.
Who is Eligible?
Those able to receive the funds are local governments, non-profit organizations, landscape contractors (bailout), and educational institutions. These organizations must remember that the purchase of "entertainment, food and beverages, or purchase of equipment (including computers, printers, and PDAs)" is not permitted under the Green funding. Come on, really? Cabbage is green, Mtn Dew is green, printers use green ink. What's not green about that stuff?
One Local Program Cost
The city I live in received $6,000 as part of this program. According to the guidelines of the grant, the city must plant a minimum of 15 trees. Whaaa?! Fifteen trees for $6,000?! That's $400 a tree!! I bought a tree at Lowes for $20 and planted it in 20 minutes. Where's my $400?!
Tax Dollars Going to This Program
Okay the U.S. Forestry Service was allocated $1,150,000,000 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money. Of this, the Georgia Forestry Commission was "awarded" $9,700,000 for five separate grants. One grant of $2.24 million provided temporary jobs to 27 people. Another program for planting trees cost $897,000. That is how much money I would make in 30 years at my present wage of about $30,000 a year.
Proponents Say
These programs will help sustain health and diversity in north Georgia forests, impacted by the pressures of growth and urbanization. Of course, these pressures were brought on by evil rich conservatives. Below is a photo of one of those 10,000 square foot houses that has put pressure on US forests.
Opponents Say
I can get 90 assorted tree seeds for less than $21 and help nature take its course.
Understand that I am a fan of a clean environment. Why would I want me or my family to live where it isn't safe? That wouldn't make sense. However, among many other things, I don't believe the government should be playing a role in local tree planting projects, and they especially shouldn't be taking my green to plant theirs.
Sources
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Recovery/TreePlantingEcosystemRestoration/documents/TreePlantingEcosystem RestorationGuidelinesApplicationARRAGFC1209.pdf
http://www.georgia.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/45/11/146206358GFC%20Consolidated% 20Action%20Plan%207%2021%2009.pdf
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/MediaInformation/documents/12-02-09ARRAGRANTSFUND FORESTRYJOBSANDLANDMANAGEMENT.pdf
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