Office of the Revisor of Statutes
2025 Minnesota Statutes
84.705 COMMUNITY TREE-PLANTING GRANTS.
Subdivision 1.Definition.
For purposes of this section, "shade tree" means a woody perennial grown primarily for aesthetic or environmental purposes with minimal to residual timber value.
Subd. 2.Grants.
(a) The commissioner must establish a grant program to provide grants to cities, counties, townships, Tribal governments, and park and recreation boards in cities of the first class for the following purposes:
(1) removing and planting shade trees on public or Tribal land to provide environmental benefits;
(2) replacing trees lost to forest pests, disease, or storms; and
(3) establishing a more diverse community forest better able to withstand disease and forest pests.
(b) Any tree planted with money granted under this section must be a climate-adapted species to Minnesota.
Subd. 3.Priority.
(a) Priority for grants awarded under this section must be given to:
(1) projects removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns; and
(2) projects in areas identified using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool methodology provided in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's environmental justice screen technical documentation dated July 31, 2024.
(b) The commissioner may not prioritize projects based on criteria other than the criteria established under paragraph (a). Nothing in this section precludes the Department of Natural Resources from following chapter 16B requirements or considering the ability of the grantees to complete the work of the grant.
Subd. 4.Eligible projects.
(a) The proceeds of state general obligation bonds may only be expended for grants to cities, counties, townships, and park and recreation boards in cities of the first class.
(b) Appropriations from the general fund may be expended for grants to Tribal governments, cities, counties, townships, and park and recreation boards in cities of the first class.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes