Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency

Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency is sponsored by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Supports projects that enhance community forest health and resilience, including land acquisition and facility construction.

2026 Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency Grant | Minnesota DNR Report Potential Fraud | DNR is committed to ensuring public funds are used for their lawful and intended purposes.

Community forestry grants Community forestry program status Residential tree planting & care Tree care financial assistance Certified Tree Inspector program 2026 Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency Grant The 2026 Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency Grant will help communities reduce the impacts of emerald ash borer (EAB) through tree management and maintenance, and education and engagement efforts. $1.

7 million is available to communities for funding these efforts. Funding for this project is provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The maximum grant request is $150,000, and no match is required.

Communities can apply starting Aug. 3, 2026. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c) status, schools, and local units of government within Minnesota, including cities, counties, regional authorities, joint powers boards, towns, soil and water conservation districts, and Tribal governments.

Parks and recreation boards in cities of the first class are also eligible to apply. Eligible activities may take place on lands permanently protected by a conservation easement or public ownership, and on private, low-income unprotected lands; all private low-income unprotected lands work will adhere to the “Residential Tree Care Requirements”.

Conducting community forestry work on non-State public land, or on residential land for low-income residents (work on residential land must be conducted by companies or organizations with an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist on staff, Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation, or equivalent qualification). Conducting a tree inventory.

Developing an EAB management plan or a plan that includes an EAB component. Local units of government must adopt a management plan if they do not have one in place already. Incorporation of environmental justice components into management plans is encouraged.

Removing and replacing ash or high-risk unsafe trees. Planting trees for diversity. Constructing and maintaining gravel beds.

Chemically treating ash trees with an injectable non-neonicotinoid insecticide (i.e., emamectin benzoate) in communities within or up to 10 miles outside of generally infested areas (refer to the EAB Generally Infested Areas Buffered by 10 Miles map for more information). Maintaining existing canopy, including needed pruning or watering establishment. Educating and engaging residents.

Developing, purchasing, or printing educational and outreach materials to engage residents in urban and community forestry. If selected, grantees may only incur eligible expenditures after the grant contract is fully executed.

Technical assistance: Training and operational support for tree projects This grant program includes optional technical assistance opportunities through Tree Trust and the University of Minnesota’s Tree Steward volunteer programs. Tree Trust offers operational assistance to communities by supporting the design, planning, and management of community volunteer tree plantings.

The University of Minnesota’s Tree Steward Program offers support by training community members in a wide variety of tree topics to equip volunteers with caring for their community trees. Technical assistance programming through either of these organizations will be free for grantees. More details on technical assistance can be found within the Request for Applications and in the FAQs.

Application available: Aug. 3, 2026 Application questions due: Aug. 31, 2026 Applications due: Sept.

14, 2026 Application grant review process, project selection, financial and capacity review: Sept. 15, 2026 to Nov. 12, 2026 ( pending based on application submissions ) Grant notifications: Nov.

13, 2026 ( pending based on application submissions ) Grant agreement negotiations: Nov. 13, 2026 to Feb. 3, 2027 ( pending based on application submissions ) Work plans approved, contract signing and execution: Feb.

3, 2027 to March 3, 2027 ( pending based on application submissions ) Contracts Executed, Grant Work Begins: March 3, 2027 ( pending based on application submissions ) All Grant Work Completed, Final Reimbursement Request Submitted By: June 1, 2029 Review the Request for Applications Download and complete the Application Download and complete the Attachment A Budget Form For projects including tree planting: Complete the Attachment B 3-Year Tree Maintenance Plan .

Provide a species and stock list (any format acceptable; contact [email protected] with questions about species eligibility). Identify locations of grant project work. Include maps that show where work will take place.

Local units of government are required to submit a management plan that was adopted on or after May 1, 2019, with the application. If your community does not have a management plan, budget for the cost of obtaining one during this grant program. Pre-Award Risk Assessment Questionnaire and associated financial documents, if applicant is requesting $50,000 or more in grant funds.

Tribal governments are exempt from this requirement. (PDF, format unchanged). Provide a Letter of Support if you are working with an outside organization on the project - any format is acceptable.

A letter of support from any identified partner organization(s) should acknowledge and agree to the specific role(s) and activities attributed to the partner organization in the grant application. Most recent UCF Grant Closeout Form, if applicable (email [email protected] to request). We've created a checklist that is not required, but may be helpful as you navigate the application process.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you need help or have questions. Once you have gathered all of the above required documentation and information, submit your application through the 2026 Protect Community Forests for Community Resiliency Application Portal . Applications must be received by September 14, 2026 to be considered eligible for funding.

On Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a. m.

we held a grant overview webinar to discuss the application process, budgets, timelines, and answer questions. You can watch the recording below or read the webinar transcript . In-person grant overview sessions We will be hosting six in-person sessions to provide a grant overview and help answer any questions communities may have about the grant.

Registration for the following sessions is not required, but it is encouraged to help planners prepare for each event. Please register at least two days in advance. Aug.

3, 2026 from 10 to 11:30 a. m. in St.

Paul (hybrid - see link above) DNR Central Office: 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN Aug. 4, 2026 from 1 to 2:30 p.

m. in Minneapolis Nokomis Library: 5100 34th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55417 Aug. 6, 2026 from 11 a.

m. to 12:30 p. m.

in Virginia Natural Harvest Food Co-op: 732 4th St. N, Virginia, MN 55792 Aug. 7, 2026 from 10:15 to 11:45 a.

m. in Bemidji Bemidji Public Library: 509 America Ave. N.

W. Bemidji, MN 56601 Aug. 11, 2026 from 1 p.

m. to 2:30 p. m.

in Faribault Buckham Memorial Library: 11 Division Street E, Faribault, MN 55021 Aug. 24, 2026 from 11 a. m.

to 12:30 p. m. in Marshall Marshall Lyon County Library: 201 C Street, Marshall, MN 56258 There will be two virtual office hour sessions.

Join and chat with staff about any questions you have during the following sessions: Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 from 4 to 6 p. m.

Join virtual office hours Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 from 7:30 to 9:30 a. m.

Join virtual office hours Underserved Communities Resource List Underserved populations are defined in the Project Evaluation section in the Request for Applications (RFA). The Underserved Communities Resource List is an optional tool with resources to assist in identifying underserved populations within communities. No matching funds are required.

Please do not submit a match as part of your application. Frequently Asked Questions Please submit questions to [email protected] by Aug. 31.

Answers to frequently asked questions will be posted weekly. Applicable questions from previous grants can be viewed below. Are Applicants able to request both operational volunteering planting assistance through Tree Trust and educational assistance through the University of Minnesota’s Tree Steward program?

Yes! Both operational and educational assistance can be requested. Another component of the University of Minnesota’ Tree Steward Training program is that volunteers are required to complete at least 10 hours of volunteerism or attend three pruning events each year to keep their tree steward certification current.

Do volunteer Tree Stewards also need to submit this information to the DNR as part of the grant? You will not need to provide this information both to the U of M and to us. It will be reported to the U of M as is standard practice, and they will then be able to forward that information on to us.

To my knowledge, there is a minimum number of residents that must be committed to receiving Tree Steward training before the University of Minnesota will agree to provide training to community members. I am assuming that this requirement is still true if we request to receive educational assistance through this program as part of the Protecting Community Forests Grant?

If you are selected to receive educational assistance, there will be no minimum number of residents required to participate. Ultimately, we want the U of M to use their funds wisely and if you only have one or two people signed up they would likely work with you to do some more recruitment, or combine regional trainings. If in the end you only get one or two individuals to participate, they will still provide the program to you.

Would receiving operational assistance through Tree Trust as described in the grant be different than hiring tree trust to provide services as contractor? Yes, receiving assistance through Tree Trust is different than hiring Tree Trust to provide services as a contractor. The Landscape Services side of Tree Trust is their earned income division, which provides tree and lawn care services.

Would any work done by a contractor be considered technical assistance? The RFA states that cities “will not have to budget (pay) for technical assistance” if we want to receive operational assistance through Tree Trust in partnership with the conservation corps or education assistance from the University of Minnesota to train community members to become tree stewards.

From my understanding, there are typically costs associated with receiving assistance through either of these organizations. Do recipients of the grant automatically get these costs waived due to a partnership with the DNR or would communities be reimbursed through the grant for any costs associated with assistance provided by either of these organizations?

While you could consider work done by a contractor to be assistance, per se, the separate ‘technical assistance’ component of this grant program is limited to Tree Trust and/or the University of Minnesota’s Tree Steward program. These organizations were included in our original application for funding for this overall program, and so we have budgeted separate amounts above and beyond what we will grant out to local units of government.

These separate amounts of funding will allow Tree Trust and the Tree Steward program to do work with grantees who request their assistance, with funds going straight to Tree Trust and/or the University of Minnesota. As mentioned in the Request for Applications, if you are applying for assistance with tree planting, you will still need to budget for the purchase of trees.

Costs for the assistance itself, however, will not need to be budgeted for by grantees. What do we report to the U of M for Tree Steward Hours? What format does it need to be in?

You can find more information at the Tree Stewards Program website . Does the availability of Tree Trust planting assistance mean that all planting projects need to be done by Tree Trust? Technical Assistance through Tree Trust is optional.

You do not have to opt-in to this opportunity. Is there a cost associated with technical assistance through Tree Trust? No, Tree Trust will provide the services outline in the Request for Applications free of cost for grantees that opt-in to the program.

Grantees will be responsible for the cost of the trees planted, which can be incorporated into the project budget. If you use one of the technical assistance options, we need to get a letter of support from Tree Trust of the University of Minnesota? No, you do not need a letter of support.

DNR will notify these organizations which grantees have opted into their programs. Is there a specific contact for Tree Trust or the U of M if we are interested in asking for their assistance for planting? Or is it assumed we can contact them if we are awarded the grant for technical assistance components/planting?

This technical assistance piece is provided free of cost if you are awarded and they are aware of their involvement. There will be a question in the grant portal that asks if you would like to opt-in to any of the offered technical assistance. Once contracts are executed, we will notify Tree Trust and The University the grantees that will participate.

We, at DNR, have funding allocated from LCCMR for these activities and have a separate contract with both organizations. Eligible activities For this grant, are we required to include removals and replacements, or is it possible to use funds solely for new tree plantings for diversity? It is possible to use funds solely for tree planting.

You can select “Tree Planting for Diversity” as your sole proposed project component within the Qualtrics Survey . As an SWCD, we want to partner with another local unit of government and/or organization, is this possible? Yes, you can partner with other organizations for your proposed project.

You must submit a letter of support from the organization you plan to partner with. A letter of support from any identified partner organization(s) should acknowledge and agree to the specific role(s) and activities attributed to the partner organization in the grant application. The list of eligible activities explicitly mentions work on residential land for low-income residents only in bullet #1.

Are any of the other activities in the list also possible for low-income residential residents to participate or have related work completed?

(Specifically removing and replacing ash/high risk trees, planting trees for diversity, chemical treatment, and pruning) Community forestry work on residential lands for low-income residents can include any combination of the other eligible activities listed on the website and in the Request for Applications. For example, tree planting, tree removals and replanting, and pruning.

All activities on residential land must be conducted by companies or organizations with an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist on staff, Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation, or equivalent qualification. Can the city apply to help residents with residential removals and replacements?

After looking at the resources for small communities and the maps that were available, our town does not seem to show that we have a significant low-income population. Also we do have a significant amount of ash trees that are a problem but we are not technically in an area that has been affected. Yes, the city can apply to provide residential tree care.

The maps and resources provided in the underserved communities resource list are just optional tools to identify areas if you are unsure where to start but they are not the only means to determine low income capacity or work areas for the grant.

All applicants can determine their own definition of low income as long as it is clear how you arrived at this definition and how you will uphold that low-income threshold during the grant period. For example, many communities chose to use a percentage (such as 50% or 80%) of their Area Median Income or AMI to determine low-income thresholds.

Though you can define it differently, so long as there is a clear income-related threshold and it is justified in the application. Regardless of whether EAB is present in your community per the MDA map, you are eligible to apply for funding as long as you meet the minimum requirements outlined in the Request for applications.

Can we apply for a smaller grant, around $50,000 to hire a contractor to cut down some ash trees to help out our Parks Dept. Forestry crew keep up with poor condition or declining Ash trees? Yes, you can apply for a smaller grant, as there is no minimum amount you can request.

Additionally, all the activities listed (contractor costs, ash tree removal) are eligible under this grant. Tree removals from boulevards and parks, must be replaced at least one-for-one (i.e., at least one tree planted for every tree removed), and trees must be replanted at the same location of the removal whenever possible and feasible, or received approval from a DNR grant administrator in advance of planting.

Can we apply for grant money to help individual homeowners defer the cost of removing their private trees? For example, Homeowner applies to city for $1,000 to help pay for cost to remove a $2,400 Ash tree in their back yard.

Helping them reduce the expense, if they qualify for a low-income property based on tax statements, etc. This is technically an eligible expense; however, we do not encourage reimbursement to homeowners directly as the reimbursement is considered taxable income and can create an additional barrier to participation in removal/replanting programs.

Grantees typically identify low-income private property removals/planting sites and have a contractor conduct the work. The city would then pay the contractor and be reimbursed by DNR. I understand “chemical treatment with injectable non-neonicotinoid insecticide” to be an eligible project under this grant program, while “experimental practices not approved by DNR” is an ineligible project.

Where would a biological treatment of EAB fall along the scale of eligible projects?

Either way, we would like to establish some kind of EAB management plan, potentially using these grant dollars if we were awarded any funding, but I’m curious if the application of this biological solution could end up being the primary maintenance activity within an EAB management plan, for example, or if this is too experimental where the DNR might deem it ineligible.

Unfortunately, at this point biocontrol methods are still categorized as experimental and ineligible due to the lack of field testing and research available. A management plan is an eligible expense and we would still allow the cost for the management plan if you incorporate biocontrol as a management tactic into the plan.

We would not allow any expenses directly associated with biocontrol efforts like purchase of products, contracting, etc. to actually apply biocontrol. What is considered a high-risk unsafe tree? A high-risk unsafe tree is considered a tree that poses a public safety risk.

For example, a dead tree in a high traffic park. These trees can be any species. What sort of tree protection is allowed?

Tree protection that we typically see, and allow, are watering bags, cages, wraps, and donuts. If you are not sure if the tree protection you want to use is eligible, reach out to [email protected] Is planting an orchard allowed under this grant? Yes, purchasing and planting fruit trees using this grant funding is eligible, but may be scored lower than other projects removing and replacing ash.

To maximize your application score, review the rubric at the end of the RFA before submitting your application. If our organization has an agreement with MNDOT to do tree maintenance along state highways, would we be able to use the grant for this effort? No, work on state land is not eligible under this grant.

Only work on non-state public and low-income residential lands is eligible. For tribal lands owned and managed by the Tribal government, does that qualify as public lands? Yes, lands owned and managed by Tribal entities qualify as public lands for the purposes of this grant.

For underplanting in black ash swamps, is it limited to within 10 miles within the EAB infestation areas? No, planting is not restricted to within the 10 mile buffer. Is work done on county land eligible?

Yes, that would be considered public lands and eligible. We want to have ongoing outreach and education sessions with the public. Are those eligible expenses?

For example renting a meeting space, printing of materials, etc? Yes, all of those would be eligible expenses. The only thing that wouldn’t be eligible is food and beverage costs for events.

How strict is the 10 mile buffer for EAB infestations on whether we can use funds for treatment? It is based on a GIS buffer and you do need to be within that buffered area to utilize funding for treatment of ash.

If you are outside of it now but close to the edge, you may consider adding language into your application about “if grant funds are left over during the grant period and EAB finds occur during the grant period, we would like to utilize left over funding for EAB treatment”. Does $4,999 just unit cost or does that include taxes? It includes everything.

No one unit can cost more than $4,999 in total. Would a subsidized tree giveaway be an eligible expense? Yes, this would fall under the low income residential work and you would need to follow the Residential Assistance Requirements outlined in the Request for Applications.

Can we plant smaller whips less than 3/4” caliper? No, we have restrictions on stock size as we’ve found the allowable stock size to perform the best in urban and community forestry settings for long term establishment. Smaller stock is typically not allowed as it does not have as high of survival rates.

Can we plant species that are not typically in their native range for our part of the state such as river birch? Yes, you are able to plant climate adapted species as long as they are not on the Noxious Weed List or Terrestrial Invasive Species List as noted in the RFA. Sugar bushing is a really important aspect of our community.

As ash wetlands die out and flood our adjacent maple stands, we are worried about the community forestry impacts on sugar bushing. Are we able to do wetlands underplanting to prevent flooding following ash mortality? Yes, as long as you are following the species and stock requirements you may conduct under plantings on public lands for these purposes.

What is the maximum administrative time allowed? Staff time for local units of government, Tribal Governments, and schools are not allowed. For nonprofit organizations, there are no specific percentage limits.

Is there a minimum number of different tree species your program would like to see for replacing the removed trees? We have read the guidance, but it did not mention a specific amount required. We are planning for 7 species that would meet the replanting guidance.

There is no minimum amount of tree species you must plant as a part of your project. All trees must meet the size requirements and general species composition for your community (20-10-5) as outlined in the Request for Applications. What if trees are removed before grants approved and work starts and there are funds remaining?

Would we be able to use those funds for other eligible activities? Any high-risk trees removed before the contract is executed will not be eligible for reimbursement. Adjustments like this during the grant period are typically addressed on a case-by-case basis, so communicate these situations with your assigned DNR Grant Administrator as soon as possible.

Is staff time an eligible for this grant? Yes and no. Staff time is ONLY eligible for non-profits. For all other organizations (e.g., local units of government) staff time is ineligible.

How can funding be utilized if awarded? Does the funding need to be specific only to tree planting, developing a tree inventory or towards an EAB management plan? Or can the funding be used for two items?

The funding can be used towards as many of the eligible activities as you want, so long as the budget it realistic, cost-effective, and no more than $150,000 (the max award for this grant). Eligible activities and expenses and listed in the request for applications. All applicants are strongly encourage to review the scoring rubric to see how each response will rescored.

Are we able to combine different projects into one grant application, or should we split them into three different applications from the same organization? Each organization should submit one grant application regardless of the number of activities proposed. I work for a SWCD – is staff time for administering this grant on behalf of another entity eligible?

Professional contracts for technical assistance, resident education and engagement, or project implementation by individuals or organizations not part of a local unit of government are eligible. So, technically, consulting staff time is an eligible expense; however, because SWCDs are a local unit of government you would not be able to charge staff time for administering this grant on behalf of another entity.

Is a tree giveaway to residents eligible under this grant? Yes, as long as residents self-certify that they are low-income and the grantee follows all other residential requirements listed in the Request for Applications. Is ash tree removal on residential property allowed?

Yes, it is allowed as long as the trees are replaced 1-to-1 and all residential tree care guidance outlined in the Request for applications is followed. All removal work on residential property must be completed by tree care companies holding liability insurance and with an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist on staff, or Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation, or equivalent certification.

Can my organization subsidize removals for residents where we reimburse the residents directly? While technically allowed, reimbursing residents directly is not advised as the reimbursement amount is considered taxable income, which can create a barrier to participation in the program. Is boulevard tree trimming eligible under this grant?

Yes, pruning is considered to be a part of ‘maintaining the canopy’ and is an eligible activity. What is the significance of a gravel bed? Building a gravel bed allows your organization to buy smaller stock in the spring, water throughout the summer, and plant in the fall.

Gravel beds can be useful if you want to plant a single tree order over two seasons and to establish more vigorous root systems. More information can be found though the U of M Urban Forestry Outreach and Research Lab website . Can we remove stumps?

Yes, stumps can be removed. They must be replaced 1-to-1. Is $4,999 the total ceiling for equipment purchases as a whole, or just for each individual piece of equipment?

This amount is the maximum amount for a single item. Multiple pieces of equipment, tools, or project supplies can be purchased with grant funds, but no one tool can have a unit cost of $5,000 or more, even if that cost is split across grant and match funds. Can applicants allocate funds toward multiple eligible project expenses?

(like tree inventory and tree planting?) Yes, you can apply for whatever eligible activities you are able to accomplish within the grant period. Does the equipment restriction apply only to equipment purchased by the grantee?

May a professional-services contract include the use of contractor-owned equipment worth more than $5,000, together with operator labor, fuel, attachments, and mobilization? Yes, contractor costs and equipment rental can exceed $5,000. We will not fund equipment purchases for contractors.

Which activities require an ISA Certified Arborist, TCIA accreditation, or equivalent qualification? Could a land management contractor perform approved site preparation and biomass work while a qualified arborist handles tree assessment, tree-care decisions, and education?

All work conducted on residential property will either be completed by residents (tree planting only), or by tree care companies holding liability insurance and with an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist on staff, or Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation, or equivalent certification. If you believe you have an ‘equivalent certification’, you must contact DNR for approval.

Additionally, any education provided through this program must be conducted by an ISA Certified Arborist, TCIA accreditation or equivalent qualification, or must qualify for ISA continuing education units. Education through Tree Trust and/or the University of Minnesota Tree Steward’s Program is also acceptable.

Can limited buckthorn or invasive-brush removal be funded when it is directly necessary to access eligible trees or establish replacement trees, even though general invasive-species removal is not a listed activity? If the site prep is considered a necessary part of removal/planting these activities are OK. Ensure they are mentioned and described in your grant application.

The widespread management of invasive species is outside the scope of this grant. Can grant funds pay a contractor for watering, mulch, maintenance, inspections, and establishment care during the project period? Yes, during the grant period contractors can be paid to do maintenance activities.

After the grant expires/closes it is on the grantee to abide by the 3-year establishment plan. If you opt-in to the Tree Stewards technical assistance, trained community volunteers can conduct appropriate maintenance activities outside the grant period.

If we don't have an inventory now and we want to use funds for completing the inventory and management plan as well as planting, would we be able to do that since we have to submit an inventory with the application if we plan on planting? Yes, this is allowed. Details for all activities should be outlined in your application.

Could the grant cover continuing watering for establishment of trees previously planted but still within the 3 year establishment period? Yes, technically this is allowed and can be incorporated into the grant application since it is maintaining or expanding grant canopy. Would hiring a consultant to assist with developing a tree preservation ordinance be an eligible activity?

Yes, hiring a consultant to develop a tree ordinance for your community is considered “maintaining existing canopy” and is eligible for funding. We’re interested in requesting funding that would allow the city to assist with the cost for residential removals and with that we would have an income limit. Does the DNR request that income verification documentation and if so, what would be acceptable proof of income?

Low-income is defined by the applicant for the project. Residents self-certify that they are low-income, additional documentation is not required. The DNR may request these certifications during the grant period so they should be kept on file.

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