Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
title
Grant Award from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for 2025 ReLeaf Grants
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Ratify the submittal of the grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for State Fiscal Year 2025 ReLeaf Grants.
2. Accept and approve a grant award with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for State Fiscal Year 2025 for the Ramsey County Re-Leaf grant for the period of grant execution through the period of June 30, 2027, in the amount of $320,731.
3. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the grant agreements.
4. Authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements and execute amendments to agreements, in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures, provided the amounts are within the limits of the grant funding.
end
Background and Rationale
body
Ramsey County Parks & Recreation (RCPR) manages over 7,000 acres of natural resource-based parkland. The county’s urban forest is in crisis due to invasive tree diseases such as emerald ash borer (EAB) and oak wilt, which have left thousands of dead and diseased trees across parklands. Many threaten park infrastructure, trails, and adjacent private property. Current funding means RCPR will face a $400,000 shortfall in tree removal. Without additional funding, the county will not be able to increase its rate of removal, putting residents, park visitors, and property at risk as trees begin to fail.
RCPR proposes to remove 250 dead and diseased trees with one replacement for every three dying trees removed. Staff will prioritize removals based on tree conditions, safety risk, community need, and location within priority areas determined by site surveys. The recent loss of traditional wood waste disposal options for the count has created a need to develop sustainable alternatives. This grant funding would enable the RCPR forester to gain hands-on familiarity with emerging tools and coordinate disposal efforts with other departments.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Ramsey County is the smallest and most densely populated county in the state. It is home to diverse communities, including low-income residents, people of color, and tribal nations. When natural areas break down, it directly harms these community members who rely on local green spaces to relax, gather, and enjoy nature. The RCPR forester will coordinate volunteer tree plantings and informative hikes in parks within priority areas with the county's Program Specialist and Cultural Liaison and the designated tree planting contractor.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Opportunities for community members to learn about the impacts of invasive diseases such as EAB and oak wilt, will be communicated to the public regularly. In the spring of 2027, RCPR will coordinate an informative hike through select areas where trees were removed. At a minimum, two community tree planting opportunities managed and hosted by RCPR staff and partner organizations will further increase awareness and involve all impacted communities in
tree plantings. This will be an opportunity for residents to learn about the necessity of tree removals, the impact that species like Emerald Ash Borer have on shaping local forests, and how the county is working to ensure future forest health.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The ReLeaf grant award of $320,731 will require no county match of funds. The funds associated with this grant will expire on June 30, 2027, and they have not been budgeted for.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Grant Agreement