Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency Grant

The Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency Grant is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with funding provided through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. The program is designed to support communities in addressing the impacts of emerald ash borer infestations and strengthening long-term forest resilience. By investing in proactive tree management, maintenance, and public engagement, the grant seeks to preserve and diversify community tree canopies while mitigating environmental and economic damage caused by invasive species. The primary purpose of the grant is to enable eligible entities to implement comprehensive community forestry strategies that reduce vulnerability to emerald ash borer and improve ecological resilience. Funding supports a wide range of activities including tree inventories, development of management plans, removal and replacement of hazardous or high-risk trees, and planting efforts to increase species diversity. Additional supported activities include chemical treatment of ash trees within or near infested zones, construction and maintenance of gravel beds, and ongoing canopy maintenance such as pruning and watering. The grant also emphasizes education and outreach, allowing recipients to develop materials and programs that engage residents in urban forestry practices. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c) status, schools, and local units of government within Minnesota, such as cities, counties, towns, regional authorities, and tribal governments. Parks and recreation boards in major cities are also eligible. Activities may take place on publicly owned land, land protected by conservation easements, or private lands belonging to low-income residents, provided that residential work meets specific certification requirements for contractors or organizations involved. These eligibility parameters reflect a focus on both public infrastructure and equitable access to environmental improvements. The application process opens on August 3, 2026, and includes a structured timeline with clearly defined milestones. Applicants may submit questions through August 31, 2026, and final applications are due by September 14, 2026. Following submission, applications undergo review, project selection, and financial and capacity assessments through November 12, 2026. Successful applicants are notified on November 13, 2026, after which grant agreement negotiations and work plan approvals take place through early 2027. Contracts are expected to be executed by March 3, 2027, at which point funded work may begin. Grant funds can only be used for eligible expenses incurred after the execution of the grant contract, ensuring compliance with program requirements. Notably, the program does not require matching funds, and applicants are explicitly instructed not to include match contributions in their proposals. Additional technical assistance may be available through partnerships with organizations such as Tree Trust and the University of Minnesota’s Tree Steward program, with associated costs covered separately from awarded funds. The grant period extends through June 1, 2029, by which time all funded work must be completed and final reimbursement requests submitted. Throughout the process, applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars, in-person sessions, and virtual office hours to better understand application requirements and program expectations. Questions may be directed to the program email, and general inquiries can be made through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources contact channels. This structured timeline and support framework are intended to facilitate effective project planning and successful implementation.

Focus on evidence based or trauma informed approaches demonstrate collaboration target high risk zip codes and propose sustainable infrastructure rather than one time activities