Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/17/2026

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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) Meeting Date: 08/17/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Identify and implement operational efficiencies, cost savings and additional funding sources. 5. 3. Information Title: Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency Grant Opportunity Purpose/Background: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for a new grant opportunity aimed at reducing the impacts of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) through tree management and maintenance, education, and engagement efforts that will enhance community forest health and resilience. There is a total of $1.7 million available to fund projects that manage and/or reduce the impacts of EAB through forestry activities on public, non -State lands and residential land for low-income residents. There is no minimum amount that must be requested, and matching funds are not required. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Eligible activities covered by this grant include: • Conducting community forestry work on non -State land or on residential land for low-income residents (work on residential land must be conducted by companies or organizations with an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist on staff, Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation, or equivalent qualification. • Conducting a tree inventory • Developing an EAB Management Plan • Removing and replacing ash or high -risk, unsafe trees • Planting trees for diversity • Constructing and maintaining gravel beds (for growing tree stock) • Chemically treating ash trees with an injectable non-neonicotinoid insecticide such as emamectin benzoate • Maintaining existing canopy, including needed pruning or watering This grant could be helpful on multiple fronts, both for the City and for some residents. From the City's perspective, grant funds could be applied toward removal of EAB infested trees, pruning of park and/or boulevard trees, and replanting efforts. But, unlike many previous grant opportunities, this grant can also be utilized on private property for low-income residents. Per the RFA, cities would actually determine and define what low-income means. Most likely, Ramsey would utilize the Annual Median Income (AMI) as the threshold (see attached table for Anoka County's AMI). Residents frequently inquire with the city if there is any sort of assistance available to remove EAB infested trees. With this grant, should the city pursue it and be awarded grant funding, those meeting the 80% AMI (presumably the metric that the City would use to be considered 'low-income') could be eligible beneficiaries of this program. Applications for this grant are due no later than September 14, 2026. If awarded a grant, all grant work, including any final reimbursement request(s), must be submitted by June 1, 2029. Should the Environmental Policy Board support pursuing this grant, and should the City Council authorize Staff to apply for grant funds, Staff would develop a plan/program for how the City proposing to utilize the funding for the application submittal. Recommendation: Staff would recommend pursuing this grant opportunity.