Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Steve Anderson, Parks & Recreation Director <br /> <br />DATE: April 9, 2025 <br /> <br />RE: Metropolitan Council Community Tree Planting Program <br /> <br /> <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Adopt a Resolution of Support to be submitted with the grant application for the Metropolitan <br />Council Community Tree Planting Program to improve the tree canopy within the city. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br />The city is pursuing a grant through the Metropolitan Council Community Tree Planting <br />Program to improve tree canopy within the city. The Community Tree Planting Grants provide <br />funding to cities, townships, counties, and regional park implementing agencies for projects that <br />improve the region’s tree canopy, as established in Minn. Stat. §473.355. The purpose of this <br />program is to support a healthy tree canopy in the region. More specifically, the program <br />supports: <br /> <br />• Removing and planting shade trees on public land to provide environmental benefits. <br />• Replacing trees lost to forest pests, disease, or storms. <br />• Establishing a more diverse community forest, better able to withstand disease and forest <br />pests. <br /> <br />All projects must address these purposes. While it’s not required, the ability to obtain a <br />resolution of support from the local government stating the eligibility of the city to apply for the <br />grant and that the proposed project will be constructed in accordance with the grant requirements <br />is preferred. <br /> <br />PROGRAM PRIORITIES <br />State law set the following priorities for the program: <br />• Projects removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns. <br />• Projects located in a census block group with a supplemental demographic index (SDI) <br />score in the 70th percentile or higher within Minnesota. <br />Projects addressing both priorities are more likely to be funded. <br /> <br />PROGRAM DETAILS <br />• $2.5 million is available in 2025 with an award minimum of $10,000 and maximum of $500,000. <br />• Project must be completed by June 30, 2027. <br />• No match is required. <br />• Applicants are limited to one application. <br />