In the 1980s, Dutch Elm Disease Emerald Ash Borer robbed communities like Tracy of dozens of trees. Today, it’s Emerald Ash Borer that’s causing a headache and is responsible for the loss of established trees in many communities in southwest Minnesota.
Through funding from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Fund, the Minnesota DNR, has more than $1.7 million available to fund eligible grants to help cities reduce the impacts of EAB. There is no minimum dollar amount required, and the maximum allocation is $150,000. There are no matching funds required.
Eligible applicants include non-profits, schools, local units of government, tribal governments, and parks and recreation boards.
The grant covers a wide range of projects, including tree inventory; developing an EAB management plan; removing and replacing ash or high-rise unsafe trees (1-to-1 replacement); planting trees for diversity; constructing and maintaining gravel beds; chemically treating ash trees; maintaining an existing canopy; and educating and engaging residents.
Shrubs, living ground covers, sod, grass seed and flowers do not fall within the grant parameters.
Val Quist, grant writer for the City, has prepared and distributed a Request for Proposals for the City’s tree inventory project funded through the DNR ReLeaf grant. Proposals were due Aug. 21, and as of this week, the City has received one proposal. The tree inventory is the first step in the City’s larger ReLeaf project, which will also include tree removal, planting, and establishment activities.
“I’ll bring my notes back to Tracy and we’ll discuss whether or not we’ll apply for this (grant),” said Quist, who attended Monday’s informational meeting. To me it seems like a good next step. However, we don’t have that inventory done yet, so it’s a little bit challenging to know what directions we’re going to take.”
More than 100 trees were removed on the east side of Tracy in Phase E infrastructure project area. Quist said the grant discussed Monday could be one way to replace some trees after Phase E is complete, although it’s far too early to know if that will come to fruition.
According to the Minnesota DNR’s Rapid Assessment Community Tree Report, a 2020 survey indicated that there were roughly 5,000 trees within 66 feet of roads, and businesses and residential areas. The survey estimated a tree population change of -43% compared to 10 years prior.
Out of the 488 surveyed acres, 100% was considered maintained; only maintained areas are surveyed. Maintained areas are periodically mowed or fall within an artificial surface (e.g. parking lot).
Grant applications are due by Sept. 14, and grant notifications will be released Nov. 13. All grant work will be completed and final reimbursements will be submitted on June 1, 2029. Applications are reviewed on a 100-point scale and past grant performance on a five-point scale.All funds will be awarded on a reimbursement basis. To be funded, the application must meet a minimum required project score of 60 or greater.
Each reimbursement request is reimbursed at a rate of 90%, with the final 10% retained until a project is finished.
