An $8 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service will help the City pay for removing trees infested with emerald ash borers on private property. We are gathering information on how the grant funds will be used. Grant funding will go to eligible property owners in specified environmental justice neighborhoods or with qualifying incomes.
The grant will also cover community-led engagement and outreach, stump grinding, tree replacement, and workforce development.
The City’s Health Department especially thanks all the community members and groups who shared their stories about the hardships caused by infected ash trees needing to be removed. We ask you for your continued advocacy as we engage with your community to develop the resources made possible by the grant.
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board projects up to 12,000 trees will be condemned for emerald ash borer infestations over the next five years in eligible neighborhoods. The grant will not be able to pay for work already done.
We will share more information in the coming months.
Read more on the City website about the program and the grant funding.