Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Forestry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
St. Peter accepts DNR tree‑planting grant to continue emerald ash borer recovery
Summary
The City Council voted to accept a state community tree planting grant, continuing previous $150,000 DNR grants; staff said the program removed roughly 400 ash trees and planted about 500 replacements and must complete new work within roughly two years from Oct. 1.
The St. Peter City Council voted Oct. 13 to accept a community tree planting grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, a step city staff said will extend the municipality's multi‑year response to emerald ash borer (EAB).
Pete, a city staff member presenting the item, said St. Peter previously received two $150,000 DNR grants and that those efforts removed about 400 ash trees while planting roughly 500 new trees. Staff plans to use the newly awarded grant to continue removals, contract for planting and work with the city forester, Jake, to prioritize infected trees. Pete said the new planting delivery is expected around March 1 and staff will have about two years from Oct. 1 to complete the work.
Council members praised staff's grant efforts during discussion. One council member asked why the city was singled out in the legislation; Pete said St. Peter had a plan, an inventory and had demonstrated program outcomes through GIS, which he said helped secure the funding. The council then approved a resolution accepting the grant by roll call.
City staff described the effort as labor‑intensive but feasible within the two‑year window; they said they will solicit bids for additional trees and rely on internal crews and volunteers for implementation.
