The Iowa Legislature has appropriated state infrastructure funds to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to be used for a community-based tree-planting program for derecho recovery tree planting. This tree-planting program is in response to losses due to severe weather that impacted the state on Aug. 10, 2020.
The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to be used for the purchase and planting of trees suitable to Iowa. Qualifying public planting lands include, but are not limited to, street right-of-way’s, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries and trails. Award recipients are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match for purchase of trees and materials from Iowa businesses. Staff are recommending a City match not to exceed $4,991.30 for an overall project total of $9,982.60.
If the City is successful in securing IDNR grant funding, funds will be used to plant 44 trees in four (4) locations throughout Ankeny:
· Twenty (20) trees along SW State St. between the Ankeny Art Center & SW 11th St.
· Twelve (12) trees at Sunrise Park
· Six (6) trees at Village Park
· Six (6) trees at Greentree Park
The deadline for the City to submit an application to the IDNR’s Community Forestry Grant is August 26, 2024. |