MONROE — Monroe is among 45 Wisconsin communities awarded urban forestry grant funds by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The grant is awarded through a highly competitive process, with over $594,000 in available funds distributed throughout the state of Wisconsin.

The City of Monroe will receive $25,000 of grant funds to enable the city to offer residents a discounted price on terrace trees, assist with ash tree removal, tree inventory updating and the development of an urban forestry management plan.

The Terrace Tree Planting Program allows residents to purchase a tree through the City of Monroe to be planted by the Parks Department in the terrace of their property. A limited number of trees have been reserved with the nursery for the spring and fall terrace plantings. Tree orders are first come first serve basis. All trees other than Maple trees will be half price, the other half is covered through the DNR Urban Forestry Grant.

Emerald Ash Borer is spreading quickly in Monroe forcing the city to remove several ash trees to reduce the number of hazardous terrace trees. In the past five years, the City of Monroe has removed over 375 ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation. An estimated 400 ash trees remain in city public right of way. An estimated 75 ash trees will be removed in city terraces and right of ways in 2021.

The updating of the tree inventory and development of an Urban Forestry Management plan will provide the tools and resources to assess, manage and sustain the urban forest in an efficient and organized manner.

The 2021 Urban Forestry Grant program is made possible by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 and require a 50-50 match. The city must initially fund 100% of the project costs. Upon completion, the city requests reimbursement for 50% of eligible costs. Projects must be related to community tree management, maintenance and education within Wisconsin cities, villages or other areas of concentrated development.

For more information regarding the terrace tree planting program, or to place an order, please call the Parks and Recreation office at 608-329-2460 or go the City of Monroe website. Payments must be made at the Parks and Recreation Office, 1110 18th Ave. For information or question regarding Emerald Ash Borer or terrace trees, please call Parks Supervisor/City Forester-Josh Trame at 608-329-2469.