Hennepin County Receives $10M Grant To Replace Diseased Trees
The destructive emerald ash borer insect has wreaked havoc on ash trees. The problem has left homeowners stuck with expensive bills to remove diseased trees.
But now, Hennepin County is providing some relief thanks to a federal grant.
“Without the support of this program, some residents could be at risk of losing their home to tax forfeiture if the property is assessed for tree removal, and this is something we want to prevent,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando. “We are working directly with communities to make sure that we are reaching their needs.”
Hennepin County received a $10 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service to help ease the financial burden on residents impacted by the emerald ash borer and the unexpected cost that comes with tree removal.
Crews from Hennepin County show off some of the trees available during the spring tree sale.
The money will help homeowners with low incomes get those trees removed and replaced.
In addition, the grant will help to educate the public on tree care and develop a more diverse tree canopy throughout Hennepin County.
“Put simply, trees play such an important role in fighting our climate change challenges, and they also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson.
Hennepin County has a goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030. Property owners can help with this mission by buying a tree during the county’s spring tree sale.
Related: Plymouth ‘Getting Hammered’ with Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
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