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Swisher council approves application for Iowa DNR Community Forest Grant to plant street and park trees
Summary
Council agreed to apply for an Iowa DNR Community Forest Grant (applications due Aug. 26) to plant trees on public right-of-way, parks and other city property. The grant would pay $500 to $110,000 per award, requires a 10-year maintenance plan and Parks & Recreation participation for species selection and implementation.
The Swisher City Council voted on July 22 to apply for an Iowa Department of Natural Resources Community Forest Grant to plant trees on city right-of-way, parks and other public lands.
Staff explained the program funds projects ranging from roughly $500 up to $110,000 with no matching funds required; the city would be responsible for purchasing trees from nurseries and for planting and a 10-year maintenance commitment. Council members emphasized partnering with Parks & Recreation for species choice and long-term care, and discussed using volunteer groups to help with planting and maintenance.
Melissa said the grant could cover replacement of trees lost on Division Street and additional plantings at the park, while staff noted some planting should wait until neighborhood grading and development are complete so trees are not disturbed. A quick review of recent nursery bids suggested per-tree prices in the range of about $220, meaning small grants cover only a handful of trees while larger awards could fund dozens or hundreds depending on species and project scope.
Council moved, seconded and approved a motion to apply and to have Parks & Recreation and volunteer groups coordinate on planning and maintenance. Staff will prepare the application, including a planting map and the required 10-year maintenance plan, and will attempt to get the parks committee to meet earlier if needed to meet the Aug. 26 application deadline.
