3.8. SR 06-09-2003TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Mayor and City Council
Stephen Rohlf
June 9, 2003
DNR Forestry ReLeaf Grant Program
Item
#3.8.
City staff attended a meeting at the Sherburne County Government Center on June 5th, with
representatives of Livonia and Big Lake Townships as well as county staff to discuss grant
funds that are available through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Specifically,
using the grant monies to conduct an inventory of woodland areas, do an assessment of oak
wilt, develop a plan and implement mitigative measures to control oak wilt. Although not
represented at the meeting, Baldwin Township is also interested in participating in a joint
effort.
The grant, which for up to $15,000, requires a 50/50 match. The majority of the money
will be spent on vibratory plowing on specific sites to control oak wilt. The property owners
will pay half the cost of the plowing, which will cover the 50% match for that work. By
working jointly with surrounding jurisdictions, the actual cash match the city will need is
estimated at $500 over a two year period. This money would be spent on the inventory,
assessment and plan. In kind services, e.g. staff and tree board time, will provide the rest of
the match for this work. Tim Edgeton, Sherburne County Forester, has offered to
coordinate the program.
Staff sees this grant as an opportunity to identify the city's wooded resources and a logical
step in developing a tree management plan. Another logical future step is developing a tree
ordinance.
Other than spending $500 cash and in-kind services time, staff sees no down side to this
grant. The grant will provide money to assist our citizens with oak wilt control, the county is
willing to coordinate the program and united with other communities our efforts will go a
lot further. Staff recommends the City of Elk River apply for a $15,000 DNR Forestry
Releaf Grant and devote $500 toward matching funds.