WV Project CommuniTree

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Forestry Main Page

UTC Main Page

 

Q.)  Can student labor be considered as part of our in-kind match, and if so, what is the value?

A.)  Yes!  Student labor can be considered as part of your group’s in-kind match.  Use the value listed for “manual labor” on the In-Kind Rates Sheet (184KB PDF).

 

Q.)  Where can our group find an auger to drill holes for our trees?

A.)  Always remember to check for underground utilities before you dig, especially when using power equipment.  CTree representatives will help successful applicants with contacting “Miss Utility” to have the planting site inspected.  Before you look for rentals, contact friends, family, neighbors, and local farmers to see if anyone can contribute a tractor or auger (think post hole digger).  If you don’t know anyone with an auger, contact your local WVU Extension Office or the Potomac Valley or Eastern Panhandle Conservation District.  They may recommend a friendly farmer or know 4-H or Future Farmers of America groups that can find the equipment you need.  If you call rental business you’ll want to ask for a “2-man hand-held auger” and check for special weekend rates.  If you find volunteers with equipment be sure to count their in-kind contribution as “skilled labor” plus “power equipment”, or “tractor…with operator.”

 

Q.)  What will we need for picking up trees from holding locations?

A.)  Groups are responsible for picking up trees from holding locations. You will need to bring a pickup truck (or multiple trucks) and have several strong people ready to move trees. Bringing more people will make it easier and safer for your group. A single B&B tree (root Balled in Burlap) can weigh more than 150 pounds, so be prepared for heavy lifting. The easiest method for getting a B&B tree into a truck is to bring a sturdy ramp that can be used to roll the tree up into the truck bed. Make sure to bring ropes, ratchets, or bungees for securing the trees and a tarp to protect the leaves from wind damage. Tarps are especially important if you must use the highway since driving 55 miles an hour brings hurricane force winds.  If possible use a “low-boy” or “landscape” trailer since this makes loading easier. Never overload a vehicle or trailer. Be sure to count the driver’s time as “skilled labor” and if a heavy truck or trailer is used add the “Single Axel Rear Dump” rate to the in-kind match.

 

Q.) Can our group organize a tree planting on a site that is NOT on the CommuniTree Suggested Tree Planting Sites Map?

A.) Yes!  Project CommuniTree’s map suggests schools, and a few parks and highway locations but there are many other public areas that would greatly benefit from trees.  To pick a site, use your imagination to find a public property to consider.  Look for DOH yards, public parking lots, sewage treatment plants, water towers and other public works locations.  Many public buildings such as libraries, court houses, police or fire stations offer planting locations.  Also consider planting on the public right of way next to private places with special community interest such as the business district, churches, Lion’s Clubs, Ruritans, VFW, etc.  The area between the sidewalk and road, or the first 5-10 feet off a street, is often in the public right-of-way.  Ask the property owner first then contact the municipal planning office to confirm the location is in the public right of way.  However, because sites along state roads require WV DOH entry permits we recommend choosing from the suggested Route 9 and Corridor H sites.

 

 

The WV Conservation Agency, Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Valley Conservation District, WV Division of Forestry, Cacapon Institute, and other WV Potomac Tributary Team partners are prepared to help your group have a fun and successful volunteer tree planting experience.  Don’t hesitate to contact us to be put in touch with your local CTree representative.

 

For more information, contact: Cacapon Institute's Urban Forestry Coordinator

 

The 2012 round of CommuniTree grants is made possible by federal funding from the USDA Forest Service.

 

CTree PARTNERS
WVDOF WVCA CI WVDOH

 

 

 

 

Cacapon Institute - From the Cacapon to the Potomac to the Chesapeake Bay, we protect rivers and watersheds using science and education.

Cacapon Institute
PO Box 68
High View, WV 26808
304-856-1385 (tele)
304-856-1386 (fax)
Click here to send us an email
Frank Rodgers,  Executive Director

Website  made possible by funding from The Norcross Wildlife Foundation,  the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Virginia Environmental Endowment, NOAA-BWET, USEPA, The MARPAT Foundation, and our generous members.