Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Community Tree Planting Grants Program to invest in public property tree planting to restore, enhance and diversify tree canopy throughout Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is providing nearly $5 million in grant opportunities allocated by the Minnesota Legislature through its Community Tree Planting Grants Program to fund increased and equitable access to urban tree canopy benefits, by replacing trees lost to pests, disease or storms; and
WHEREAS, the Community Tree Planting Program assists local units of government in Minnesota, by providing direct funding to communities for shade tree planting activities that will improve urban forest resilience to climate change, diseases and pests; and
WHEREAS, local units of government are eligible for these Community Tree Planting 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 eligible activities over the next 2 years, including tree planting on parkland and city right of ways, providing an opportunity to expand and enhance equitable urban tree canopy cover in disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, grant funds would allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to replant trees in priority areas thereby restoring and diversifying 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) Community Tree Planting Grants Program.