1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; appropriating money for community tree planting 
1.3 	grants.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING GRANTS; APPROPRIATION.
 1.6 	(a) $....... in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.7 	of natural resources for grants to cities, counties, townships, Tribal governments, and park 
1.8 	and recreation boards in cities of the first class for removing and planting shade trees on 
1.9 	public or Tribal land to provide environmental benefits; to replace trees lost to forest pests, 
1.10 	disease, or storm; or to establish a more diverse community forest better able to withstand 
1.11 	disease and forest pests. For purposes of this appropriation, "shade tree" means a woody 
1.12 	perennial grown primarily for aesthetic or environmental purposes with minimal to residual 
1.13 	timber value. Any tree planted with money under this section must be a climate-adapted 
1.14 	species to Minnesota. Priority for grants made with this appropriation must be given to 
1.15 	grants funding:
1.16 	(1) projects removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns;
1.17 	(2) projects that benefit underserved populations; and
1.18 	(3) projects that benefit environmental justice areas as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 
1.19 	sections 116.065, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).
1.20 	(b) This is a onetime appropriation.