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Swisher moves to apply for DNR community forest grant to replace storm- and construction-damaged trees
Summary
Council voted to back an application for a DNR community forest grant (due Aug. 26) to plant trees on public land; staff said grants typically range from about $500 to $10,000, a $5,000 award could buy roughly 23 trees at current prices, and the application requires a 10-year maintenance plan and a map of planting areas.
Swisher staff told the City Council on July 22 about a DNR community forest grant opportunity to plant trees on public property, replace derecho-damaged trees and support street- and park-tree plantings. Melissa (staff member) said the application was posted at the end of June and is due Aug. 26, that grants generally require no local match for awards in the $500–$10,000 range, and that the application is scored for demonstrated need and cost-effectiveness.
Melissa said recent DOT bid data show a nursery price around $220 per tree and estimated that a $5,000 award could fund roughly 23 trees. She also said the grant requires a commitment to a 10-year maintenance plan and a map of planting locations; the DNR will observe plantings on site. Council suggested coordinating with Parks & Rec as the likely maintenance and volunteer-organizing body.
A motion to support applying for the grant was made and seconded; council voted in favor and asked staff to involve Parks & Rec so that the application includes a maintenance plan and planting map.
