Frequently Asked Questions
💡 What is the Green Networks Program?
The Green Networks Program is part of Central Arkansas’s implementation of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). Administered by Metroplan, the program supports multi-use trail construction, land restoration, and tree planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve ecological function.
📌 Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Cities and town within the Metroplan region
- County governments
- Nonprofit organizations
- Regional or community-based entities involved in conservation or active transportation
- Coalitions
Please note, if the Lead Agency is not a city or county governmental entity, a Letter of Commitment is required from the city or county in which the project is located.
🛣️ What types of projects are eligible?
Three grant tracks are available. Applicants may request funding in one, two, or all three tracks.
- Land preservation
- Allowable preservation methods include:
- Conservation easement
- Deed restriction
- City/county ordinance (if land is publicly owned)
- Land restoration
- Supports native habitat restoration, invasive species removal, erosion control, and ecological resilience
- Applies to forests, prairies, wetlands/floodplains, riparian areas, and streambanks
- Tree planting
- Focuses on planting native trees (mostly saplings) in urban and suburban spaces
- Includes eligible expenses like soil amendments, watering plans, and educational signage
- Multi-use trail construction
- Must be shovel-ready
- Design should be completed or near-complete (60% designed minimum)
- Right-of-way should be acquired or nearly acquired
📊 Is there a minimum or maximum application amount?
No, projects can be large or small.
⏳ What is the deadline to apply?
Applications must be submitted via Jotform by January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM CST.
🧾 What do I need to submit?
The online application will request:
- Project narrative (background, project plan, maintenance, etc.)
- Location and project map
- Budget (Excel template provided within online application for land restoration & tree planting projects)
- Timeline and milestones
- Letter of Commitment from city/county (if applicable)
- Optional attachments like photos, plans, or past project examples
- For trail projects: Final/near final design documents and proof of completed/in progress right-of-way acquisition
📍 Does my project need to be in a specific location?
Yes. Projects must take place within Metroplan’s six-county CPRG project area: Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Lonoke, Grant, and Perry Counties.
🌳 What counts as a restoration site?
Eligible land types for restoration include:
- Upland or bottomland forest
- Prairie or savannah
- Wetland or floodplain
- Streambanks or riparian corridors
- Vacant or degraded land with restoration potential
🧮 How are applications scored?
Applications are scored using clear criteria based on:
- Project Plan and Readiness
- GHG emissions impact or sequestration potential
- Cost-effectiveness
🛠️ Can funds be used for planning?
No. CPRG funds must be used for implementation (i.e., construction or on-the-ground activities).
🤝Can I partner with another entity?
Yes! Collaborations between cities, counties, nonprofits, or other stakeholders are welcome. You may apply jointly or list partners in your project narrative.
📞 Who can I contact with questions?
Contact:
Leesa Freasier
Grant Administrator
📧 lfreasier@metroplan.org
📞 501-372-3300
Brittany Nichols
Sustainable Transportation and Energy Ambassador
📧 bnichols@metroplan.org
📞 501-379-1113
