Save our Forest gets California ReLeaf Support

FALLBROOK — Save Our Forest (SOF) is the recipient of a big boost for tree maintenance for Fallbrook Treescape Project. The California ReLeaf 2004 Urban Forestry Grant Program and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are the funding sources of the recent grant received by SOF. Incorporated nonprofit organizations, citizen groups, and volunteer organizations may compete for the grant funds. However, those not incorporated must have an incorporated sponsor.

With over 4,000 trees planted in the last 12 years, SOF received this grant of $7,483 to help with the maintenance of approximately 324 trees in the heart of the project. This support, along with the generous donations of organizations and individuals, will help SOF meet their budget of approximately $26,000 this year. Maintenance of the downtown trees includes professional pruning, watering, weeding and trash removal, replacement of damaged or dead trees, and upkeep of stakes and ties. The overall budget amount also includes the maintenance of 1.1 mile of the South Mission Road project completed in 2002. As an unincorporated community there are no funds from the County for tree maintenance.

Additionally, the grant will provide the cost of bringing Certified Arborist Mark Wizniewski to the community for a Demonstration Pruning Seminar at 10 a.m. on January 22 at the Palomares House,