The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that 81 communities will be receiving a collective $16 million through the ReLeaf Community Forestry Grants and the Shade Tree Bonding Grants, marking a significant investment in community forestry.
These grants underscore Minnesota’s commitment to addressing emerald ash borer and other invasive pests while fostering climate-resilient communities.
Awardees include municipalities, towns, counties, a tribal government, nonprofits, and a school district. The ReLeaf Grants will support 31 projects in areas of environmental justice concern, with eight of the grants providing support for tree care costs, which includes activities such as pruning and tree removals, to low-income property owners. The Shade Tree Bonding Grants will support projects in 43 communities, with a focus on removing ash trees that pose a public safety concern and planting diverse, climate-adapted trees to Minnesota.
These projects will have a positive impact on community forest health, environmental equity, and overall well-being. They will help replace, diversify and strengthen Minnesota’s urban tree canopy, increase the urban canopy’s resiliency, and help with climate mitigation through carbon storage and the cooling benefits of shade trees. The $16 million awarded is a significant increase over the past grant cycles.
The application period for the next round of ReLeaf Grants is anticipated to open later this year, with an additional $6 million available. The Shade Tree Bonding Grants were fully awarded. Updated information will be available when grants go live on Minnesota DNR’s Community Forestry webpage at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/urban/index.html.
A full list of grant recipients is available on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/forestmgmt/past-and-current-grant-recipients.html.
The DNR received 72 applications with a total request of $16,797,218.42 for the 2024 Shade Tree Bonding Grant. The grant was open to any local government and tribal nations in Minnesota. Eligible activities included tree removal and tree planting, and associated needs. Communities will have until December 2027 to use their funding. In total, $10.063 million was allocated to 43 communities. The city of Anoka was a grantee for $491,460, and the city of Fridley was a grantee for $351,559.
The DNR received 151 applications requesting $33.1 million for the 2024 ReLeaf Community Forestry Grants. Grants were open to nonprofit organizations with 501(c) status and local units of government in Minnesota, including cities, counties, regional authorities, joint powers boards, towns, soil and water conservation districts, public schools and tribal nations. Eligible activities included a range of activities, including tree inventories, management plans, update tree ordinances, tree removal and planting, maintenance pruning, and treatment with non-neonicotinoid insecticides. Communities will have until June 2027 to use their funding. In total, $6.883 million was allocated to 38 applicants. Among the grantees included the Anoka Conservation District for $65,550, the city of Anoka for $5,570, the city of Fridley for $420,550, and the city of St. Francis for $147,797.
Operation Dry Water anchors DNR safety, enforcement efforts during long holiday week
People across the state are gearing up for lots of time on the water in the days ahead and just after the Fourth of July holiday. As they do, Minnesota Department of Resources conservation officers and their public safety partners are reminding them to keep safety at the top of their list.
There are a variety of factors for boaters to keep in mind, including busy waterways, locally high water, and an increased law enforcement presence to keep everyone safe. The latter is part of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign that runs July 4-6 to highlight the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and call attention to the heavy penalties associated with boating while intoxicated.
In Minnesota and across the nation, boating while intoxicated is the leading contributing factor to boating accidents and fatalities. While many boaters do the right thing by leaving alcohol on shore, dozens of them are arrested for BWI each year in the days surrounding the Fourth of July.
“There’s no gray area when it comes to boating under the influence: if you’re caught, you will go to jail,” said Lt. Eric Sullivan, the DNR Enforcement Division’s Marine Unit supervisor. “Anyone who makes the choice to boat under the influence puts at risk the safety of everyone else on the water.”
In Minnesota, which has particularly strong BWI laws, anyone convicted of drinking and driving — whether they’re operating a boat, motor vehicle, or recreational vehicle — loses their privilege to operate any of them.
In addition to staying “dry” while on the water by avoiding drugs and alcohol, the DNR urges anyone who’s on a boat to wear a life jacket. Oftentimes, boating accidents turn into fatalities because the people who fell overboard weren’t wearing a life jacket.
Some of the state’s waterways — rivers, in particular — have extremely high water as a result of recent rainfall. Boaters, paddlers and others should stay off them until the water recedes. For more information on Operation Dry Water and boating safety, visit the Operation Dry Water website at www.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/home, and the boating safety webpage of the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/index.html.
Operation Dry Water activities are sponsored by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
DNR shares tips for celebrating the Fourth of July on state lands
Minnesota state lands are great places to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. In addition to an abundance of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping and more, state parks, recreation areas and forests offer a quiet location to celebrate Independence Day away from loud fireworks displays. Minnesota rules prohibit the use of fireworks in state parks, recreation areas and forests.
“Not everyone enjoys the light and sound associated with fireworks,” said Ann Pierce, DNR Parks and Trails Division director. “Minnesota state parks, recreation areas and forests offer a fireworks-free environment for those who want to celebrate Independence Day in a more peaceful place.”
While recent rains and associated flooding have impacted trails, roads, water accesses and camping at numerous locations, many of the state’s public lands are still open for recreational activities. The Recreation Compass is a convenient resource to find state, federal and some local public recreation lands. Before heading out to celebrate Independence Day at a state park, recreation area, forest or trail, visitors are encouraged to check conditions. People should exercise caution if they encounter high water when traveling to or visiting a site. Do not attempt to use trails and roadways that are underwater, and check river levels on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/river_levels/index.html to learn if a water trail is safe for paddling.
While there is no vehicle permit requirement for state forests, wildlife management areas or scientific and natural areas, visitors to state parks and recreation areas must obtain a one-day or year-round vehicle permit. Vehicle permits can be purchased online, at any open state park ranger station (not every ranger station is staffed seven days a week), or at the DNR License center in St. Paul during business hours.
Camping opportunities are still available for those who would like to extend their visit with an overnight stay. Reservations can be made at mndnr.gov/reservations.
Campers wishing to make a last-minute trip without a reservation may want to consider a state forest campground, where camping is always available on a first come, first served basis. Find state forest campgrounds at the camping in Minnesota state forests webpage of the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/camping.html. Three of the 42 state forest campgrounds — Eckbeck, Indian Lake and Sullivan Lake — are closed due to flooding, but the remainder of state forest campgrounds remain open.
Visitors to DNR-managed public lands and facilities over Independence Day and the rest of the summer will start to see a number of improvements taking place thanks to the $150 million Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative. This transformative, one-time investment will modernize decades-old facilities, enhance accessibility, provide more-welcoming visitor experiences, and improve climate resilience and aquatic habitat at hundreds of DNR-managed sites across the state.
“Many Minnesotans head to state parks, forests, lakes and rivers to celebrate with friends and family on summer holidays,” said Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the DNR. “That makes this the perfect time to highlight ways the historic Get Out MORE investment will provide people with outstanding outdoor recreation experiences in our state for years to come.”
To learn more about how this investment will improve outdoor experiences across Minnesota, go to the Get Out MORE webpage of the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/get-out-more/index.html.
Wherever and however people choose to enjoy Minnesota’s outstanding public lands and waters, the DNR encourages all people recreating outdoors to keep safety in mind as they celebrate Independence Day.
Pack smart. Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit and plenty of water.
Be “bear wise.” The presence of a bear in the area is not a threat to safety, but having a bear in camp can lead to problems. See mndnr.gov/bearsafety for tips to avoid an unwanted bear encounter.
Fun boating is safe boating. Wear a life jacket, and make sure children wear theirs. For more boating safety tips, check out mndnr.gov/boatingsafety.
Practice campfire safety. Build campfire in a fire ring if available, always supervise the fire, and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving or going to sleep. Find more campfire safety tips at mndnr.gov/campfiresafety.
And lastly, be aware of the weather forecast.
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