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Olivia approves $200,000-plus state grant to replace 270 ash trees
Summary
The council authorized acceptance of a Minnesota DNR Community Tree Planting Grant worth just over $200,000 to remove 270 ash trees affected by emerald ash borer and plant 270 replacements; staff noted a June-heavy planting timeline and resident Cindy Bosika was credited for alerting the city to the opportunity.
Olivia’s City Council voted to accept a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Community Tree Planting Grant worth just over $200,000 and authorized staff to execute related documents.
City staff said the one-for-one program covers removal and replacement of ash trees impacted by emerald ash borer; the project will remove 270 affected trees and plant 270 new trees across shelter belts and parks. “We’ve been awarded a grant just over $200,000 through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Community Tree Planting Grant Program,” the staff presenter said, and added that the city must expend the funds by the end of next June.
Staff credited resident Cindy Bosika for bringing the grant to the city’s attention. The presenter outlined the project timeline: removals and stump grinding this spring, an effort to plant as many trees as possible before June (because July–August is difficult for new plantings), additional fall planting and any remaining work next spring.
Council moved and seconded a motion to accept the grant and authorize the designated signatory; the motion carried without recorded objection. During discussion staff noted diversity restrictions in the grant program (the DNR limits replacement of certain species and the city will avoid further maple plantings to maintain species diversity).
The council’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with DNR-required steps and local implementation. No costs to the city beyond grant conditions were reported; staff said the DNR will perform much of the bulk planting work and the city will supplement with a sapling pick-up program for residents.
Next steps: staff will finalize supplemental information requested by the DNR, schedule removals and plantings to meet the grant timeline and report back to council as implementation proceeds.
