The County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota (“County”) is soliciting applications for the Healthy Tree Canopy Grant (the “Grant”). As used herein, the entity/individual submitting a response to this solicitation may be referred to as the “Applicant” and the Applicant’s response to this solicitation (the “Solicitation”) may be referred to as the “Application”. Healthy Tree Canopy Grants were established to help communities make positive changes in the tree canopy and engage residents in taking action to protect trees. Goals Assist eligible recipients in planning, preparing for, and managing destructive invasive insects and diseases such as emerald ash borer or Asian long-horned beetle, establishing tree care activities such as planting and pruning, and increasing 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. Align with Hennepin County efforts to reduce persistent disparities in health, income, and employment among its residents. Countywide 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 stormwater runoff, provide shade that mitigates excessive heat events and reduces energy consumption, and increases property values.
