Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/09/2026

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5. 2. Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: 04/09/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Address infrastructure needs. Information Title: Tree Planting with Ramsey's Environmental Policy Board and Parks & Recreation Department/Commission Purpose/Background: Since 1978, May has been designated as Arbor Month in Minnesota, and Ramsey has been a certified Tree City USA for nearly four decades. As part of this program, the city conducts an 'Arbor Day' planting each Spring. This year the planting will be at Alpine Park, and is funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Council. As most residents know, across the state, many trees are under stress due to disease, pests, and changing environmental conditions —and Ramsey has experienced community -wide loss of Ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Last year, the city applied for a highly competitive grant to the Met Council for funding to mitigate some of the public trees lost to EAB, and was awarded $84,255, which includes 20 trees for Alpine Park. The text below is an excerpt from that application and work plan: "A valuable part of Majesty of the Commons project will be the Arbor Month volunteer planting at Alpine Park. This will be sponsored by a collaborative of the city's Environmental Policy Board and the Park & Recreation Commission. The Board and Commission members are residents of the community, appointed by City Council, and will bring with them their network of volunteers and neighbors for the event. The planting location at Alpine Park is visited by thousands of park patrons each year, and these trees planted by fellow residents will be stately and growing ambassadors demonstrating the environmental and aesthetic benefits of the right tree in the right place." The purpose of this case is to announce the 2026 Arbor Day planting, and invite volunteers to participate. Attached is a bulletin inviting Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association membership to participate in the planting that was disseminated at the March coordination meeting between youth athletic leadership and city staff. Funding Source: Funding for planting 129 street and park trees is from a $84,255 Metropolitan Council award in 2025, which includes 20 trees for Alpine Park. Recommendation: Staff requests acknowledgment of the intent to participate in the April tree planting event at Alpine Park. Outcome/Action: This case is informational, no action required. Invitation Attachments Form Review