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Tree Commission seeks federal grant to fund pruning, remediation and planting
Summary
Dwight Weesey of the Tree Commission told council the commission has completed hazard pruning under a prior grant and is pursuing a second grant (described as $15,000–$100,000) that, he said, is 100% funded and would not require a city match; the commission described plantings, soil remediation and training tied to the application.
Dwight Weesey, representing the Tree Commission, updated the Mt. Healthy City Council on ongoing forestry work and a pending grant application.
Weesey said the commission finished pruning and hazard-reduction work under an earlier award and is fine-tuning a city tree management plan. He described a second grant opportunity “from 15 ks up to 100 ks” and told council, “It's 100% provided for funding on there. We don't, the city does not have to match anything on there.” He added the grant cannot be used to buy heavy equipment but could pay for planting materials, mulching, training and limited consulting support.
The commission outlined plans for near-term soil remediation, a pruning class this coming Friday, fall planting focused on sites along Perry Street, and a foster/adopt program for pawpaw seedlings that offers community members the chance to raise seedlings over the summer and plant or return them in the fall.
Weesey said the commission has included training slots to send staff or volunteers to a Tree Commission Academy across multiple sessions and has proposed modest membership coverage so volunteers can participate. He also noted that while funding and federal program administration remain subject to change, the commission will scale work to match what is ultimately awarded.
The council asked clarifying questions about match requirements and eligible expenses; Weesey reiterated the grant is described as fully funded and that equipment purchases were excluded.
The council did not take formal action on the item during the meeting. Next steps described by the commission included submitting the application and following up with the grant administrator to confirm final award amounts.
