Specifications include, but are not limited to: Assist eligible recipients in planning, preparing for and managing destructive invasive insect and diseases such as emerald ash borer or Asian long-horned beetle, establishing tree care activities such as planting and pruning, and increase current tree diversity. • Educate the public about the importance of trees and engage them in taking actions to protect trees. • Increase the diversity and resiliency of the tree canopy, accommodate new species that are well-adapted to our changing climate, and recognize that trees are assets that require regular maintenance and provide significant benefits. • Hennepin County strives to reduce persistent disparities in health, income and employment among its residents. County-wide data analysis has identified a correlation between tree canopy deficient areas and concentrated areas of disparities. Tree canopy improvements play a role in disparity reduction because trees improve air quality by intercepting particulates and other pollutants, reduce storm water runoff, provide shade that mitigates the excessive heat events and reduces energy consumption as well as increase property values.