The Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999 – The CARA Bill (HR 701)
	This Bill aims to share federal Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas revenue with states through seven program areas: coastal conservation and restoration (Title I), land-based conservation and recreation (Title II), state wildlife conservation (Title III), urban parks and recreation (Title IV), historic preservation (Title V), federal lands restoration (Title VI) and endangered species recovery Title VII).
Provisions for Urban Parks and Recreation
	Title IV of the Bill proposes permanent funding of $125 million for USDI, National Park Service's Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery (UPARR). This title provides matching grants to local governments to rehabilitate recreation areas and facilities, provides for the development of improved recreation programs, sites and facilities. However, a key program in the USDA, Forest Service, the Urban and Community Forestry program, is absent from the Bill. This program touches the lives of citizens in over 45,000 communities and metropolitan areas – where nearly 80 percent of Nation's population live and work. U&CF in partnership with State forestry agencies, city foresters, and non-profit organizations assists cities in planting and caring for trees in parks, along streets and rivers.
The U&CF program was funded nationally at $31.3 million in Fiscal Year 1999. The demand for technical assistance and services exceeds current funding levels by eight fold.
Facts about the USDA Forest Service's U&CF (Fiscal Year 1999)
	Over $16 million in grants were awarded to communities around the Nation.
	Serves over 10,600 communities annually providing direct technical assistance.
	Nearly 1.45 million hours of training delivered to local government and grassroots organizations.
Why U&CF Needs to be Included in the CARA Bill 1999 (HR 1999)
	Because urban parks, trees and forests are key elements of the green infrastructure of our cities and communities, we must build on the strengths of both UPARR and U&CF. These programs are complimentary – not competitive. Each has a unique and essential benefit to you.
Community and Resource Needs:
	Trees and forests are disappearing in our cities and towns at an alarming rate as development and populations continue to grow and from old age, Dutch Elm disease and destructive pests like the Asian longhorn beetle.
	This means less shade, more noise, more flooding, less wildlife habitat, decreased air quality, and a reduced quality of life in your city.
	Many communities do not have the tools, technical expertise or financial resources required to assess their trees and forests and decide on the best course of action.

U&CF operates in all 50 States within every community. The Urban and Resources Partnership is an innovative way the U&CF program currently assists over 13 major U.S. metropolitan areas including: Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, East St. Louis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and South Florida. Grassroots and community led. Highly leveraged with majority of federal dollars going directly to community. U&CF is flexible and has broad application to local needs. Offers training, education, and technical assistance. State Forester and Forest Service have over 20 years experience in providing the technical assistance, education and funds to enable citizens to create the kinds of communities they want Communities become responsible and capable stewards of their forests. We have a network of partners strongly supporting the program across the Nation. Each community has a solid support base.

UPARR focuses primarily in large cities. This program plays an essential role in improving and restoring urban park and recreation facilities, which only makes up 5.3 percent of the urban areas nationwide. UPARR provides matching grants only. UPARR is delivered through the federal government only.