Urban and Community Forestry

Hennepin County works within communities to increase tree canopy resilience

Hennepin County is working to improve tree canopy resilience to climate change, pests, storms, and extreme heat events.

The county is helping homeowners with low incomes get trees removed and replaced on their properties. This work, funded by a U.S. Forest Service grant, addresses a significant need identified by community members as the emerald ash borer has swept through the county.

Follow along to stay informed, apply to have a tree removed on your property, and learn about what is happening in urban and community forestry in Hennepin County.

Hennepin County works within communities to increase tree canopy resilience

Hennepin County is working to improve tree canopy resilience to climate change, pests, storms, and extreme heat events.

The county is helping homeowners with low incomes get trees removed and replaced on their properties. This work, funded by a U.S. Forest Service grant, addresses a significant need identified by community members as the emerald ash borer has swept through the county.

Follow along to stay informed, apply to have a tree removed on your property, and learn about what is happening in urban and community forestry in Hennepin County.

  • Results from November 22 application lottery

    The tree removal and replacement program will accept applications on Tuesday, January 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A random lottery will be used to select applicants out of the applications received.

    On November 22 applications opened for 12 hours for the tree removal and replacement program. We received a total of 108 applications. After the applications period closed, a random number generator was used to select 50 applicants to complete the full application.

    All applicants received an email on Wednesday, December 3 with application status and next steps.

    The application will open next on Tuesday, January 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Responses from program staff

    Due to the overwhelming demand for this program, foresters are unable to respond to all messages received. Staff will prioritize responding to residents who have been selected to participate.

    Find answers to frequently asked questions and check your email on Wednesday, December 3. Submit additional questions to treehelp@hennepin.us or leave a message on the program hotline at 612-541-1949.

    Get notified when applications open

    If you did not receive an email notification when applications opened in October and November, sign up by completing the tree removal and replacement notification form.

  • Applications open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 22 for the tree removal and replacement program

    The tree removal and replacement program is accepting applications on Friday, November 22 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A random lottery will be used to select 50 applicants for this round of tree removals out of the applications received. Notifications of application status will be sent via email on Wednesday, December 3.

    Apply

    Use this link to apply to enter the lottery between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, November 22.

    Trouble accessing the application

    The application will read “Sorry, this has not started” prior to 7 a.m. on November 22. The application will read “The tree removal and replacement application is closed until the next application period” after 7 p.m. on November 22.

    Application and interpreter assistance

    The application process is online and available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.

    If you need interpretation assistance or other help with the application, call 612-541-1949 and state the help you need or language you need assistance in. Program staff will then return your call to provide the assistance you need.

    Eligibility requirements

    The following requirements must be met to apply:

    • Tree(s) must be ash, diseased oak, or diseased elm
    • Applicants must own and live at the property
    • Household income is under $94,650 (for households from 1 to 4 people). See this chart for households of 5 or more people.
    • Each tree removed must be replaced with at least one tree. Properties with the space will be asked to accept multiple trees.

    Applicants will be accepted through a random lottery

    To make the application process more accessible and equitable, applications will be accepted for a 12-hour period. Limit one entry per address.

    After the applications period closes, a random number generator will be used to select 50 applicants to complete the full application. Final approval for the tree removals available in this application round will be subject to income and other program verifications.

    The county will publish the total number of applications received during the application period.

    We are taking this approach to increase accessibility and equity for this program while balancing the workload of staff and contractors. We will continue to adjust the process as needed.

    Notifications on the status of your application

    All applicants will receive an email on Wednesday, December 3 with the status of your application.

    Selected applicants

    If you are randomly selected in the lottery, you will receive an additional application to complete to provide more information to facilitate income verification for the program.

    Not selected applicants

    If you do not get selected to apply for the program, you will be notified along with information about the total number of applicants received. You may reapply in future applications rounds.

    We are not able to maintain a waiting list for the program. We anticipate reopening the application again in December.

    Responses from program staff

    Due to the overwhelming demand for this program, foresters are unable to respond to all messages received. Staff will prioritize responding to residents who have been selected to participate.

    Find answers to frequently asked questions and check your email on Wednesday, December 3. Submit additional questions to treehelp@hennepin.us or leave a message on the program hotline at 612-541-1949.

    Get notified when applications open

    If you did not receive an email notification when applications opened in October and November, sign up by completing the tree removal and replacement notification form.

    Tree removal assistance for Minneapolis residents

    Tree removals in Minneapolis are being handled by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board or by the city’s Regulatory Services Department.

    Homeowners with low incomes in Minneapolis that have a condemned tree that needs to be removed should refer to the City of Minneapolis condemned tree assistance. Minneapolis residents who have not received a condemnation letter but have an ash tree or significantly diseased tree should contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Forestry Department at forestry@minneapolisparks.org or by calling 612-313-7710 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    If Minneapolis residents with a condemned tree submit a Hennepin County form, their address will be shared with Minneapolis, and the city will be follow up with next steps.

    USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

    Hennepin County is an equal opportunity provider.

    Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service.

  • Volunteers and partners plant 3,500 trees in St. Louis Park

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    In October, partners and volunteers from the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota Green Corps, and the Lifetime Foundation helped Hennepin County foresters plant 3,500 trees at Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park. Commissioner Marion Greene also joined to help with the planting. Good work and thank you!

    Commissioner Greene with county forestersCommissioner Greene with county foresters

    Trees and forests provide many benefits, including improving our air and water, making us and our communities healthier, reducing the urban heat island effect, providing wildlife habitat, saving energy and increasing property values.

    volunteers learn from a forester how to plant seedlings

    Hennepin County foresters, with the help of cities, partners, and residents, are over one-third of the way toward achieving our climate-action goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030. County foresters will plant 7,522 trees throughout the county this fall and a total of about 21,850 total trees in 2024.

    Volunteers hard at work planting seedlings

  • Tree removal and replacement program update

    The tree removal and replacement program will be accepting applications on Friday, November 22 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A random lottery will be used to select 50 applicants for this round of tree removals. Notifications of application status will be sent via email on Wednesday, December 3. See this article for details.

    October application update

    The tree removal and replacement program opened for applications on Tuesday, October 22. A limited number of applications were accepted to provide time for tree inspectors and forestry staff to process submissions and conduct inspections. The application limit was reached approximately two hours after applications opened.

    We have experienced high demand for this program, so we are working to develop an approach for accepting applications that increases equity. Future opening dates and approach will be announced soon.

    Get notified when applications open

    Notifications about the application opening in October were posted on this page and sent via email to those who have provided email addresses via the “Stay informed” widget on this page. We want to ensure all who are interested in applying for this program are notified when applications reopen.

    If you did not receive an email notification when applications opened in October, please provide your email via this form to be included in future notification emails.

    Application access

    The application process is 100% online and available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. In the coming months we will be piloting different strategies to increase access to the program. Please contact us directly at treehelp@hennepin.us to share feedback on the process or to request a printed application.

    Minneapolis residents

    Homeowners with low incomes in Minneapolis with a condemned tree that needs to be removed should refer to the City of Minneapolis Condemned tree assistance website. Minneapolis residents who have not received a condemnation letter but do have an ash tree or significantly diseased tree should contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Forestry Department at forestry@minneapolisparks.org or by calling 612-313-7710 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    Removals in Minneapolis are being handled by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board or by the City’s Regulatory Services department. If residents have had a tree condemned and submit a Hennepin County form, their address will be shared with Minneapolis, and they will be in touch with next steps.

    Program requirements and benefits

    To qualify for the program, your tree(s) must be ash, diseased oak or diseased elm. This program requires that each tree removed be replaced with at least one tree. Properties with the space will be asked to accept multiple trees. We will be planting two trees for every tree removed in the areas surrounding removals. The newly planted trees provide many benefits, including:

    • Providing shade and cooling your neighborhood
    • Increasing property values
    • Improving air quality
    • Capturing and filtering stormwater
    • Providing habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.

    Applicants must be homeowners in Hennepin County living at their property and meet income requirements.

    Questions

    Find answers to frequently asked questions. Submit additional questions to treehelp@hennepin.us or call the program hotline at 612-541-1949.

    USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

    Hennepin County is an equal opportunity provider.

    Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service.

  • Forestry program helps clients find a path forward

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    When Rick began his probation in 2023, he didn’t expect to find a promising career in tree care as a result. The 20-year-old Minneapolis resident was already facing the employment obstacles that come with having a record. He knew little about trees, much less how to take care of them.

    Nevertheless, Rick’s probation officer recommended him for a new forestry job training program through Hennepin County’s Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation. Launched in February 2023, the Productive Day forestry pathway is designed for adults on probation or parole who want to learn new job skills. Guided by staff from the Client and Community Restoration division, participants gain experience in tree care while also earning an hourly stipend.Rick sitting on a felled tree holding a chainsaw.

    Along with instruction from certified arborists, Rick and his program peers learned the gamut of urban forestry skills—from cutting techniques, to planting and pruning, to operating and maintaining equipment, to identifying tree species, disease and pests. He also earned certifications in CPR, tree inspection and chainsaw safety.

    “The program wasn’t easy, but over time, I got better and ended up liking it,” said Rick, who received more than 600 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job experience.

    The forestry pathway is like the construction pathway, which was created in 2018, in that it helps clients under supervision gain the experience they need for meaningful employment and a livable wage. In addition to industry-specific skills, the participants develop their soft skills.

    “It’s the same group that shows up every day, and they learn how to be a part of a team, how to communicate and how to take directions,” said Logan Futterer, Productive Day program manager.Rick holding a chainsaw

    “There’s only been a couple of participants where it just wasn’t their deal, and that’s fine,” said Nathan Fowler, a Sentencing to Service crew leader who also supervises the forestry crew. “There’s still something they can gain in terms of coming to work every day, on time, and getting in the habit of showing up.”

    Construction workers are always in high demand—and the same holds true for tree care professionals.

    Trees and forests provide many benefits, such as improving air and water quality, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and providing shade to reduce urban heat. The tree canopy in Hennepin County faces several significant threats, including development, invasive pests such as the emerald ash borer, climate extremes, and poor installation and maintenance.

    In response, the county has committed to planting 1 million trees by 2030, and has received numerous grants to plant, remove and replace trees and other plants on both public and private property.

    “Many tree companies are a year behind with all the work they have right now,” said Dustin Ellis, community forestry supervisor for Hennepin County. “We’ve also heard from residents that they want more local tree care companies, with crew members who live in and around the neighborhoods they work in.”

    Rick started his training with a large-scale reforestation project at Ford Park in Minnetonka. He and fellow crew members removed ash trees and invasive buckthorn in the winter and came back in the spring to plant new trees. He also helped with tree removal, planting and trail maintenance for Three Rivers Park District.Rick in a tree removing branches

    “The program gives individuals an opportunity that they maybe haven’t gotten before,” said Ellis. “It helps level the playing field, so they aren’t starting behind everyone else.”

    Thanks to his hard work and commitment, Rick is starting his career path on the right foot. He graduated from the program this past summer and already landed a job: he is now working as a seasonal forester with Hennepin County Environment and Energy.

    “As long as you are dedicated, the program is a big help,” said Rick. “I look forward to the new beginning.”Digging a hole to plant a tree

    In collaboration with Hennepin County’s Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, forestry pathway partners include Hennepin County Environment and Energy, Three Rivers Park District, the City of Minnetonka, the City of Mound, the Hennepin County Railroad Authority, and Tree Trust.

  • Applications paused for tree removal and replacement

    Applications for tree removal and replacement are paused. Thank you to all that have applied. In the coming months we will be piloting different strategies to increase access to the program. Please contact us directly at treehelp@hennepin.us to share feedback on the process.

  • Applications open for tree removal and replacement

    Update: Applications are paused. Thank you to all that have applied. In the coming months we will be piloting different strategies to increase access to the program. Please contact us directly at treehelp@hennepin.us to share feedback on the process.


    We are excited to announce that the tree removal and replacement program has opened applications. The number of applications accepted this round will be limited to provide time for tree inspectors and forestry staff to process submissions and conduct inspections. If you reach a screen indicating the application is paused, we have reached capacity for this period.

    The application process is 100% online and available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. In the coming months we will be piloting different strategies to increase access to the program. Please contact us directly at treehelp@hennepin.us to share feedback on the process or to request a printed application.

    Subscribe for updates to receive an email when the application opens next.

    Minneapolis residents

    Homeowners with low incomes in Minneapolis with a condemned tree that needs to be removed should refer to the City of Minneapolis Condemned tree assistance website. Minneapolis residents who have not received a condemnation letter but do have an ash tree or significantly diseased tree should contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Forestry Department at forestry@minneapolisparks.org or by calling 612-313-7710 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    Removals in Minneapolis are being handled by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board or by the City’s Regulatory Services department. If residents have had a tree condemned and submit a Hennepin County form, their address will be shared with Minneapolis, and they will be in touch with next steps.

    Program requirements and benefits

    To qualify for the program, your tree(s) must be ash, diseased oak or diseased elm. This program requires that each tree removed be replaced with another tree. The newly planted trees provide many benefits, including:

    • Providing shade and cooling your neighborhood
    • Increasing property values
    • Improving air quality
    • Capturing and filtering stormwater
    • Providing habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.

    Applicants must be homeowners in Hennepin County living at their property and meet income requirements.

    Interpreter assistance

    If you require interpretation assistance to complete the application, call the program hotline at 612-541-1949 and state the language you need assistance in. Program staff will then return your call with an interpreter to assist.

    Updates and questions

    Find answers to frequently asked questions. Subscribe to the urban and community forestry newsletter to receive email updates. Submit questions to treehelp@hennepin.us or call the program hotline at 612-541-1949.

    Background on the funding and program

    Hennepin County was awarded a $10 million Urban and Community Forestry grant from the U.S. Forest Service to remove diseased trees, plant trees, educate residents, and support businesses and workforce development. The project will improve resilience to climate change, pests, storms, and extreme heat events.

    With the grant funding, Hennepin County forestry is helping homeowners with low incomes get trees removed and replaced from their properties. County foresters are partnering with residents to increase the potential benefit of trees in their neighborhoods. This funding addresses a significant need identified by community members as the emerald ash borer has swept through the county.

    USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

    Hennepin County is an equal opportunity provider.

    Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service.

  • Over 150 trees planted on Minnesota Department of Transportation property in north Minneapolis

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    This year, Hennepin County began a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to plant trees on their rights-of-way. The partnership agreement will last until 2074.

    Beginning in June, 160 trees were planted along interstate 94 corridor in the north Minneapolis neighborhoods of: Fowell, Mckinley, Hawthorn and Near North. Trees planted along roadsides are shown to improve local air quality, reduce flooding, provide shade for cooling effects in the summer and break winter winds, help local wildlife, and improve mental well-being of community members. Tree species planted were selected to tolerate conditions such as road salt, a variety of different soils, and trap particulate matter. The diversity of tree species also increases their resiliency to climate change.


    Educational Tree Trek installed

    A Tree Trek was installed at the intersection of N 4th Street and 36th Avenue in Minneapolis. Tree Trek is an interactive way to learn about the climate adaptability of different tree species and the ecology of plants.


    Volunteer planting and Tree Stewards training

    A volunteer planting and Tree Stewards training was held on June 1. In total, 10 community members participated, and University of Minnesota Urban Forestry Outreach and Research staff assisted. Participants in the training learned about basic tree care and management, Hennepin County forestry programs, and the benefits of trees in an urban landscape.


    Learn more

    For more information about this project, contact Leslie Alcantar Mejia at leslie.alcantarmejia@hennepin.us.

  • Request for proposals: forestry adult arborist apprenticeship program

    Proposals due by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6

    Hennepin County is soliciting proposals for forestry arborist apprenticeship programming.

    Programming will be financially supported through funds awarded to Hennepin County by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry Grant. A total of $1.9 million has been allocated to fund this forestry workforce development programming.

    Contracts awarded are anticipated to span a two-year duration, and pilot program contracts are anticipated to span one year.

    Who should apply

    This request for proposals is open to the following that are located within the greater Twin Cities metro area:

    • Local tree care providers
    • Nonprofit organizations
    • Private, for-profit companies

    How to apply

    Proposals will be accepted via the Hennepin County supplier portal until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6.

    To access the RFP and apply

    • Visit the Supplier Portal
    • Under Contracting opportunities, view the request for proposal materials by selecting “Forestry adult arborist apprenticeship program”
    • You need to be registered to submit an application. There has been an upgrade to the Supplier Portal, so all respondents will need to register or re-register. For detailed instructions on how to register and submit an application, including video tutorials and more, visit the Supplier Portal information page.

    USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

    Hennepin County is an equal opportunity provider.

    Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service.

  • Gravel bed nursery installed with interns in north Minneapolis

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    Intern and Hennepin County forester working together to build gravel bed

    Hennepin County foresters helped youth interns from Emerge and Project Sweetie Pie build a gravel bed nursery at Pillsbury Urban Farm in north Minneapolis in late July. County foresters provided guidance for interns as well as gravel for the bed. Interns learned basic carpentry and became familiar with forestry career options.

    Trees waiting to be planted in gravel bed

    Planting trees in areas with lower tree canopy cover to mitigate the heat island effect and improve air quality is an important part of our community forestry strategic plan. This effort contributes to Hennepin County’s goal, established in the county’s Climate Action Plan, of planting 1 million trees with the help of cities, partners, and residents by 2030.

    Gravel bed nurseries allow trees to grow and develop a good root structure throughout the summer and are ready to be transplanted in the fall. The 20 trees growing in the gravel bed will be planted by Project Sweetie Pie and Tree Trust at private residences in north Minneapolis this fall.

    Group of people

    The project was funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and was completed in partnership with Ajani Collective, City of Minneapolis, Emerge Minneapolis, Pillsbury United Communities, Project Sweetie Pie, Renewing the Countryside, and Tree Trust.

Page last updated: 03 Dec 2024, 01:58 PM