MARCH 18, 2025|
Photo – Hanna, WY – Bigfoot99 file photo
The governing body of Hanna will spend $2,000 adding trees in the northern Carbon County town.
On March 11th, the Hanna town council discussed a resolution to apply for a matching tree grant from the Wyoming State Forestry Division. Hanna will contribute $2,000 toward a $4,000 grant from the Forestry Division to plant trees in the town’s parks. Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales said the grant will cover the cost of buying and planting 20 trees around town.
Clerk Gonzales said the town’s $2,000 grant match may also be used to purchase additional types of greenery, such as bushes or shrubs.
The town can use donations of in-kind labor to help cover part of the grant match. Clerk Gonzales suggested asking nearby agencies and Hanna school students to assist with the tree planting.
Clerk Gonzales said the town is asking the state Forestry Service for 20 trees to be planted in Energy Park at 4th and Clark Streets.
The clerk admitted that 20 trees may be too many to plant in one area and explained that she wrote the grant to give the town flexibility to plant the trees in any of its three parks.
Councilwoman Ellen Freeman said, in her opinion, “Energy Park does not need additional trees” and asked if the existing trees were healthy. Town Treasurer Ann Calvert explained that a local firm, Affordable Tree Care, ensures that every tree in Hanna is properly maintained.
Councilman David Felix also offered the assurance the grant was written so the new trees could be planted in another park, if necessary.
Mayor Charlie George emphasized the grant must be used to plant trees. Councilwoman Freeman suggested the $2,000 grant match might be better used to improve the town in another way.
Councilwoman Freeman again stressed Energy Park does not need any more trees.
Councilman Sam Sikes asked Clerk Gonzales if the town had to take all 20 trees. The town clerk said the council may choose any number of trees based on how much funding the governing body is willing to provide as a grant match. Councilman Sikes expressed his desire for the maximum number of trees.
Councilman Sikes made a motion to approve the resolution, 2025-612, to submit the request for matching grant money from the Wyoming State Forestry Division. The measure passed, with Councilwoman Freeman as the sole dissenting vote.
