Council accepts federal TreePeople grant; 250 trees allocated for residents

The City Council voted unanimously Oct. 7 to accept a federal grant administered by the nonprofit TreePeople and the San Gabriel Valley partnership that will provide 250 trees to South El Monte residents.

A staff member told the council the grant is federal and administered through a San Gabriel Valley group; the total award referenced in discussion was $1 million, which is being shared across multiple participating cities. South El Monte’s allocation is 250 trees. Staff said the primary distribution plan is to give trees to residents who sign up in advance online; the program prioritizes private‑property plantings and includes fruit trees among the species to be distributed.

Councilmembers asked whether the grant was subject to federal cuts. Staff replied it was not at this time. Councilmembers also clarified that the city’s role is to distribute trees to residents at events and signups rather than planting and maintaining a large city‑planted tree program; staff said the city would receive only a small number of trees for public uses and that resident recipients would be responsible for planting and care.

The council approved the item on the consent calendar after a brief discussion; the motion to approve item 7(d) passed 5‑0.