Mahnomen city leaders asked the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources on June 27 for funds to remove hazardous ash trees and replant diversified species ahead of the emerald ash borer’s expected spread.

City Administrator Taylor Gunther, who presented the proposal alongside Crystal Ramahaji of the University of Minnesota Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, said Mahnomen is particularly vulnerable because ash trees make up roughly two‑thirds of the city’s public canopy. “Prepare Mahnomen for the Emerald Ash Borer,” Gunther said, noting the community’s low tax base and high rates of poverty that limit local capacity.

The proposal would pay for contractor removal of larger and more hazardous ash trees the city crew cannot handle, plus replanting approximately 63 trees (most boulevard trees and six fruit trees targeted for a public park). Gunther and Ramahaji stressed urgency: recent confirmed EAB finds in nearby counties and the presence of culturally sensitive black ash wetlands elevate the stakes for the tribal community on the White Earth Reservation.

Ramahaji framed the work as both ecological and public‑health oriented, citing studies she summarized during the presentation that link increased tree cover to better community health outcomes and reduced mortality in some urban contexts. She said the plan prioritizes removal of about 106 marginal or distressed ash trees and proposed removing 57 trees through a mix of contractor and city crews and planting 63 replacements chosen for climate resilience and urban tolerance.

Commissioners asked about local partnerships and food‑sovereignty connections. Commissioner Hester asked whether the project team had reached out to the tribal college or tribal government regarding fruit‑tree plantings for food access; the presenters said they had made contact and identified River Park as a planting site. The presenters also said Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships has provided outreach funding and technical assistance for resident engagement on tree choices.

The presentation emphasized limited local staffing — a public works crew of three and a small boom truck — as a principal reason contractor assistance is needed for larger removals. The presenters said they intend to target the most unhealthy trees first and to share lessons learned with neighboring communities.

If funded, the city would use a combination of contractor work and in‑house crew removals, and continue community outreach for private property preparation and boulevard replacement selection.