HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-07 PACKET 04.C.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 3/7/12
PREPARED BY Parks and Recreation Zac Dockter
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
Consider authorizing staff to apply for the MN Department of Natural Resources Community
Forestry Bonding Grant in the amount of $25,000 for diversification of tree stock in the public
parks in district III.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to apply for the MN Department of Natural Resources Community Forestry
Bonding Grant in the amount of $25,000 for diversification of tree stock in the public parks in
district III.
BUDGET IMPLICATION $0 $0
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ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION
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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
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ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
City Administrator Date
H: \Grants \Ninas Community Forest DNR Grant \Council Action Form - MN DNR FB Grant 21612.doc
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From: Zac Dockter. Parks and Recreation Director
CC:
Date: February 16, 2012
Subject: MN DNR Community Forestry Grant Application
Introduction
The Parks and Recreation Department has been aggressively managing the ash tree population of
Cottage Grove ahead of what is considered a likely infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer. The MN DNR
offers a grant program entitled the 'Community Forestry Bonding Grants' to communities who seek to
diversify the tree species within its public spaces.
Background
Park District III of Cottage Grove is the area located north of 80 Street, south of 70 Street and
between Hinton and Jamaica Avenues to the east and west. The primary parks in this area are Nina's,
North Ideal and Pine Tree Valley Park. The majority of housing development in this area took place
when ash trees were considered the best boulevard tree replacement option to the American Elm. As
such, this particular district has an unhealthy balance of ash trees in the area. The city has been
aggressively managing the ash tree concerns along the boulevards. However, the park and public
spaces still are in need of management. This grant would allow the Parks and Recreation Department,
with the City Forester as project manager, to remove as many as 25 ash trees (12 -20" girth) from the
three public park spaces in the fall of 2012. The second phase of the project would consist of
diversifying the tree stock by replanting 50 or more trees of at least 7 varied native species throughout
these spaces. This ultimately will improve the sustainability of the urban forest in these areas thus
minimizing the damaging effects of any pests or diseases in the future. The replanting effort would
likely take place in the spring of 2013 in coordination with Arbor Day to receive the assistance of
community volunteers. This will further promote the city's efforts to manage and preserve the city's
natural resources while engaging with the citizens in a manner that creates pride and understanding of
the city's objectives related to tree care.
The applied grant amount will be for $25,000 which is to cover the costs of tree removal, stump grinding
and the purchase of the new trees. There is no match portion to the grant.
Recommendation
Consider recommending staff to apply for the MN DNR Community Forestry Bonding Grant in the
amount of $25,000.