Minnesota ReLeaf Program

Note: There is no funding currently available for Minnesota ReLeaf grants. However, the program remains in place in the event that there is funding available in the future.

New Funding- Community Forest Bonding Grants
for Diseased Shade Tree Removal and Replacement.

Program purpose
To assist Minnesota communities with planting and caring for their trees, to increase energy conservation, to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, and to achieve other environmental benefits.

Eligible projects
Purchasing and planting of predominantly native trees to conserve energy, benefit wildlife, and establish community windbreaks; actions to preserve and maintain healthy community forests; educational programs in conjunction with these activities; and conducting tree inventories for land use and comprehensive planning.

Who may apply
Local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and schools. There are no funds in 2008 for Releaf Grants.

Priorities
Priorities are set regionally. Priority may be given to strategic planting of native shade trees and community windbreaks which achieve multiple benefits noted above. Some funds may be earmarked for preservation of oak forests threatened by oak wilt and/or actions to protect or restore significant native woodlands.

Level of assistance
Depending upon available funding, matching grants of up to $15,000 per project may be available on a reimbursement basis for up to 50% of the project costs. At least 50% of project costs must be provided through non-state-funded cash or in-kind contributions.

Description
This program was established by DNR in 1990 as a comprehensive effort to promote planting on urban and rural lands throughout Minnesota. Its goal is to achieve energy conservation and reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Since 1992, the focus of the program is community forestry projects which achieve energy conservation.

For more information, contact your Area Forestry Office, or:

Ken Holman, Program Coordinator
DNR Forestry
500 Lafayetter Road, Box 44
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 259-5269
Fax: (651) 296-5954
E-Mail: ken.holman@dnr.state.mn.us

Related DNR programs
Urban and Community Technical Assistance Program
Ken Holman
Phone: (651) 259-5269