MN HF5154

Establishes a metropolitan shade tree grant program administered by the council to provide grants to local governments in the metropolitan area for removal and planting of shade trees on public land.

Grants may cover up to 50 percent of the costs for shade tree removal and planting for environmental benefits, replacing trees lost to forest pests/disease/storm, or establishing a more diverse community forest.

Eligible applicants include statutory or home rule charter cities, counties, towns, or park and recreation boards in first-class cities located in the metropolitan area.

Grant requests for removing and replacing trees with active emerald ash borer infestations receive priority consideration.

All trees planted with grant funds must be climate-adapted species to Minnesota; grants are canceled if funds are not encumbered within four years of award; law is effective July 1, 2024.