The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has awarded $7 million in grants to 50 communities and organizations across the state to replace damaged and dying trees, improve urban forests and protect communities against invasive pests and disease.
The 2026 ReLeaf Grants, funded by the Minnesota Legislature, will support tree planting, maintenance, pruning, inventories and long-term forestry management. Much of the funding will address the continuing loss of ash trees caused by the invasive emerald ash borer.
Among the northern Minnesota recipients are Aitkin, which received $314,000; Bemidji, $308,070; the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, $250,000; Hibbing, $188,135; Hill City, $137,138; and Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, $123,843.
The grants were distributed to 34 cities, five county organizations, four schools, six nonprofit organizations and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
State forestry officials said the program emphasizes planting a wider variety of tree species to reduce the risk of widespread losses from insects and disease. Projects may take place on public property or low-income residential properties.
Other funded activities include removing hazardous trees, converting removed wood into materials for outdoor classrooms and playgrounds, and providing scholarships for individuals pursuing professional arborist certification.
“You don’t have to travel several hours north to enjoy fall colors. Some of the most beautiful views are right on our own streets and in neighborhood parks,” said Madisson Masucci, DNR urban and community forestry coordinator. “These ReLeaf grants help communities manage and plant a variety of trees so their canopies are resilient and healthy for future generations to enjoy.”
The emerald ash borer has become one of Minnesota's most serious urban forestry challenges, threatening ash trees that have long provided shade and other benefits in residential neighborhoods, parks and public spaces.
The ReLeaf program is intended to help communities respond to those losses while developing more diverse tree populations capable of withstanding future threats.
St. Louis Park, a previous grant recipient that received another $96,484 this year, has used ReLeaf assistance to address ash tree losses and restore neighborhood green spaces.
The largest individual awards in 2026 include Faribault, $389,000; Zumbro Ridge Estates, $386,660; Brooklyn Park, $381,875; Monticello, $372,600; and Ramsey County, $320,731.
Other recipients include St. Paul, $275,000; Fridley, $247,869; Tree Trust, $239,642; Farmington, $204,000; and St. Cloud, $178,690.
The investments are expected to support healthier community forests while preserving the environmental, recreational and aesthetic benefits of trees for future generations.
2026 ReLeaf grant recipients
Recipient | Award |
|---|---|
City of Aitkin | $314,000 |
Anoka Conservation District | $19,050 |
City of Anoka | $114,057 |
City of Apple Valley | $90,000 |
City of Bemidji | $308,070 |
City of Blaine | $160,935 |
City of Brooklyn Park | $381,875 |
Cedar Park Elementary | $47,895 |
City of Chisago City | $84,100 |
Cottonwood SWCD | $65,673 |
City of Falcon Heights | $24,864 |
City of Faribault | $389,000 |
City of Farmington | $204,000 |
City of Fridley | $247,869 |
Garlough Environmental Magnet School | $39,720 |
City of Gibbon | $36,416 |
Hackensack Game Changers | $8,974 |
City of Hibbing | $188,135 |
City of Hill City | $137,138 |
City of Hopkins | $144,000 |
La Academia School Forest | $46,525 |
Lake County SWCD | $123,843 |
City of Le Center | $125,000 |
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe | $250,000 |
City of Marshall | $92,860 |
Minnesota Society of Arboriculture | $3,500 |
City of Monticello | $372,600 |
City of Moorhead | $74,622 |
City of Morris | $88,498 |
City of Mounds View | $149,624 |
City of New Brighton | $110,000 |
City of Newport | $132,580 |
City of Owatonna | $121,561 |
City of Pipestone | $38,500 |
Ramsey County | $320,731 |
Resilient Cities & Communities | $164,000 |
City of Robbinsdale | $124,803 |
City of Rochester | $105,795 |
Roseville Area School District | $70,310 |
City of Sartell | $20,000 |
City of South St. Paul | $65,400 |
City of St. Cloud | $178,690 |
City of St. Louis Park | $96,484 |
City of St. Paul | $275,000 |
City of Tracy | $25,000 |
Tree Trust | $239,642 |
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Inc. | $115,000 |
Watonwan SWCD | $56,520 |
City of West St. Paul | $103,700 |
Zumbro Ridge Estates | $386,660 |