City of Saint Peter Awarded $300,000 Community Tree Planting Grant

The City of Saint Peter has been awarded a $300,000 Community Tree Planting Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support ongoing efforts to respond to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and strengthen the community’s urban forest. This competitive grant was awarded to Saint Peter in recognition of the City’s proactive approach to boulevard ash tree removal and its ongoing efforts to reduce the long-term impacts of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) within the community.

The two-year grant, available through June 30, 2027, will fund:

• Removal of EAB-affected boulevard/park ash trees
  • Stump grinding and site preparation
  • Boulevard refurbishment
  • Planting of new, diverse replacement trees where applicable/feasible

A significant benefit of this award is that it requires no cash match or in-kind contribution, allowing the City to advance major components of its Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan while saving local taxpayer dollars.

“We are grateful for this support from the Department of Natural Resources,” said Director of Public Works Pete Moulton. “Saint Peter has taken early and consistent steps to manage Emerald Ash Borer, and this grant will significantly reduce the financial burden on our community as we work to maintain a healthy and resilient urban canopy.”

Why This Work Matters

Emerald Ash Borer is a destructive invasive beetle that kills ash trees by tunneling under the bark and cutting off the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients. Once infested, ash trees typically die within a few years and can become brittle, unpredictable, and hazardous. Without intervention, 100% of untreated ash trees eventually die from EAB.

Removing hazardous or declining ash trees is essential to public safety and helps prevent further spread of EAB into remaining healthy areas. It also creates opportunities to replant with resilient species, ensuring a stronger and more diverse tree canopy for future generations.

Next Steps for Saint Peter

To begin work funded through the grant, the City will soon issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for contractors to perform ash tree removals and stump grinding.

As this project moves forward, residents may begin noticing boulevard ash trees marked for removal. Once marked, trees will be scheduled for safe removal, with new plantings planned for next spring where applicable/feasible.

For more information about the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan or questions about the upcoming work, contact Public Works at 507-934-0670 or visit www.saintpetermn.gov.

About the City of Saint Peter

Founded in 1853 along the Minnesota River Valley, the City of Saint Peter is a historic and welcoming community committed to treating all people like neighbors. The City supports proactive sustainability and housing solutions, quality healthcare, strong schools, and a thriving business environment while preserving its distinctive character and natural surroundings.