Local governments and regional park agencies in the seven-county Twin Cities region are invited to apply for a grant to improve the region’s tree canopy. Under a law passed by the 2024 Minnesota Legislature, the Met Council has $2.5 million available in 2025 for projects that: Remove and plant shade trees on public land to provide environmental benefits. Replace trees lost to forest pests, disease, or storms. Establish a more diverse community forest, better able to withstand disease and forest pests. “Trees provide multiple benefits for communities,” said Gillian Greenberg, senior climate planner in the Met Council’s Community Development division. “Neighborhoods with more tree cover have better health outcomes. Trees cool our streets and cities, protect against floods, take up carbon and produce oxygen, and provide homes for birds and animals, among other benefits.” Removing ash trees, improving the tree canopy State law set two priorities for the program: Remove and replace ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns, and improve the tree canopy in areas that are considered vulnerable based on specific characteristics like income and education level. Projects that accomplish these goals will be prioritized in the scoring of applications. Applications will open on March 5 and close on April 18 at 3:00 p.m. The Met Council will award grants of a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $500,000 in early summer. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. Staff to host two webinars in March for potential applicants Met Council plans two online webinars to assist potential applicants to the program. Details: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. During the webinars, staff will review program goals and priorities, scoring criteria, what makes a successful application, and will answer questions. Visit the Community Tree Grant Program website for more details on the program and how to apply. The site includes forms and resources, including a Scoring Factors Map that helps applicants identify census blocks that meet the community vulnerability and extreme heat evaluation criteria. Posted In: Council News