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City forester: IRA grant will cover far fewer trees than planned; board previews tree-protection overhaul
Summary
Michigan City’s forester said Feb. 4 that higher nursery and labor costs and national demand mean the IRA grant will buy far fewer trees than the original application estimated; he proposed a city-managed 'canopy restoration bank' and urged board members to bring questions to an upcoming ordinance discussion.
Michigan City’s forester told the Tree Board on Feb. 4 that rising nursery and labor costs and heavy nationwide demand have reduced how many trees the city can plant under its IRA grant and that the board should consider a new compensation mechanism for trees removed during development.
Phil Graff reported that earlier estimates used in the grant did not account for the run-up in tree prices and watering costs. A board member recalled a Dec. 17 balance of about $230,000 (stated from memory); Graff said his current estimate of remaining available funds and obligations is in the low six figures and that the original planting target in the grant…
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