Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ReLeaf Community Forestry Grants Program to invest in forestry planning and management of the tree canopy throughout Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ReLeaf Community Forestry Grants Program has new funding that was made available by the Minnesota Legislature that will encourage and promote the inventory, planting, assessment, maintenance, improvement, protection, and restoration of trees and forest resources; and
WHEREAS, The ReLeaf Program assists non-profit organizations with 501(c) status and local units of government in Minnesota, in the enhancement of urban and community forests throughout the state by providing direct funding to communities and organizations that will enhance community forest ecosystem health and sustainability as well as to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and promote energy conservation; and
WHEREAS, The DNR is providing up to $6.8 million in grant opportunities through the ReLeaf Program to fund increased and equitable access to urban tree canopy benefits, broadened community engagement in local urban forest planning and activities, and improved urban forest resilience to climate change; and
WHEREAS, Local units of government and non-profit organizations with 501© status are eligible for these ReLeaf Funds with maximum available funding per organization of up to $500,000; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting permission to apply for said funding to support a variety of eligible forestry uses over the next 4 years, including, tree inventory in parkland, long-term urban forestry planning and assessment, and opportunities to protect, enhance and expand equitable urban tree canopy cover in disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, grant funds would allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to increase and enhance existing efforts to successfully manage Saint Paul’s urban tree canopy; and
WHEREAS, there is no match requirement for these funds; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ReLeaf Community Forestry Grants Program.