Agenda - Council - 09/12/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DEPARTMENT OF 2023 NATURAL RESOURCES ReLeaf Community Forestry Grants The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources welcomes applications from local units of government and non-profit organizations within Minnesota that will encourage and promote the inventory, planting, assessment, maintenance, improvement, protection, and restoration of trees and forest resources to enhance community forest ecosystem health and sustainability as well as to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and promote energy conservation. Eligible Activities • Community forestry work conducted on public land, or on residential land for low-income residents (work on residential land must be conducted by companies or organizations with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff, TCIA accreditation, or equivalent qualification) • Work conducted by staff or contractors • Tree inventories • Developing a management plan, which can include but is not limited to a forestry -related climate adaption plan, all lands management plan, or emerald ash borer management plan • Tree and stump removal and tree replacement • Tree planting • Chemical treatment of ash trees with an injectable non-neonicotinoid insecticide (i.e. emamectin benzoate) if it provides long-term impact or seed funds an intended long-term program in communities up to 10 miles outside of generally infested areas across Minnesota (please see online guidance for more information) • Developing a tree ordinance • Tree cabling, if a long-term evaluation plan is included • Maintenance pruning • Urban and community forestry or arboriculture education and outreach • Professional certifications and/or training related to the proposed project • Additional plant healthcare treatments, as approved Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with 501(c) status and local units of government within Minnesota, including cities, counties, regional authorities, joint powers boards, towns, and tribal. Parks and recreation boards in cities of the first class are also eligible to apply. Priority will be given to: • Projects that serve communities with populations less than 20,000. • Organizations who have staff, who plan to certify their staff during the grant period, or who will contract with companies with staff with professional tree care credentials (such as Minnesota Tree Inspector, International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, etc.). Any such credentials must be listed on the application to be considered. • Projects that prioritize emerald ash borer, especially removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant safety concerns. • Projects that benefit underserved populations and areas of concern for environmental justice (communities with higher populations of low-income residents, or people of color, including tribal communities, or both). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has an interactive environmental justice map that, while not required, can be referenced with your application. Page 2 of 9 July 2023