A CHECK FOR $10,000 was presented by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Resource Forester Julie Norris to officials with Missouri State University-West Plains as part of the university’s participation in the Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (T.R.I.M.) grant program. T.R.I.M. is a competitive, cost-share program administered by MDC in cooperation with the Missouri Community Forestry Council that provides reimbursement of $1,000 to $10,000 to assist government agencies, public schools and non-profit groups with the management, improvement or conservation of trees on public lands.  This is the second time the university has been awarded the grant funds, which were used prune or remove hazardous or potentially hazardous trees on campus, plant 10 new trees around campus and purchase three books about trees and tree health for the Garnett Library. The first grant was awarded in 2008.  Norris reminded the on-going grant program is available to any municipality, park department or public school in the area. More information can be obtained by contacting the local MDC office at 417-256-7161. On hand for the check presentation were Ron Hensley, left, superintendent of physical plant, and Matt Morris, director of business and support services. (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)