MN HF2219

Appropriates $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for shade tree grants.

Grants of up to $1,000,000 available to cities, counties, towns, and park and recreation boards in first class cities for developing response plans and removing/replacing publicly owned shade trees damaged by forest pests or disease.

Grants may also be used to establish more diverse community forests better able to withstand disease and forest pests.

Commissioner must prioritize grant requests for planning, removing, and replacing trees within emerald ash borer quarantined counties.

Defines "shade tree" as a woody perennial grown primarily for aesthetic or environmental services with minimal to residual timber value and no intent to harvest for wood.