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.