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Swisher council backs applying for state community-forest grant to replace storm-damaged trees
Summary
Council voted to apply for a DNR community-forest grant, which offers $500–$10,000 awards for planting trees on public lands and requires a 10-year maintenance plan; staff said $5,000 would typically buy about 23 trees at current bid prices.
City staff (Melissa, introduced during the meeting) told the Swisher City Council that a DNR community-forest grant application is due Aug. 26 and would fund tree planting on public lands in response to derecho and storm damage. The grant range is $500 to $10,000 and requires no cash match; however, the city would be responsible for purchasing and planting trees and for a 10-year maintenance plan that must be described in the application.
Melissa said she had reviewed recent Department of Transportation bids and estimated one tree costs about $220, so a $5,000 award could provide roughly 23 trees. The application scoring, she said, emphasizes demonstrated need, cost effectiveness and community involvement. Council members recommended partnering with Parks & Rec on planting and maintenance and suggested Parks & Rec could coordinate volunteers if needed.
Committee member (speaker 6) moved that the council support applying for the grant with appropriate partnerships; a second was called and the motion carried. Staff said they would involve Parks & Rec, identify planting areas on a map for the application, and confirm who will lead ongoing maintenance and reporting to DNR.
