Tree Program

Trees are a part of our future. They provide wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, enhance water quality, save energy costs, help clear the air and add beauty to our homes and farmsteads. Trees for farmsteads, forestry, field and livestock-area shelterbelts require plans. Your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Office can meet with you to discuss what you want to achieve by planting trees. A plan will be developed with the species of trees/shrubs needed, the number of each species and the proper spacing for the desired purposes. The trees are two-year old bare root seedlings and are approximately 12 to 18 inches tall. The seedlings are available in the spring with choices offered of broadleaf trees, conifer trees and shrubs. For the best selection, place your order early. We will begin taking orders December 15^th, 2024, and we will take tree orders through March 15^th, 2025, for the 2025 tree season. Trees will arrive at our office around the 3^rd or 4^th week of April. LBNRD offers both “handplant” and “machine plant” orders. Handplant trees must be planted by the purchaser and must be purchased in bundles of 25 for each species ordered. For plantings over 100 trees or shrubs, the NRD can machine plant the trees when this is set up through your local NRCS office. Also, the District offers cost-share for windbreaks that are over 100 plants and are designed according to NRCS specifications.

The Community Tree Resources Program

This program offers financial assistance to citizen groups, civic organizations and governmental agencies in the development and/or improvement of Urban Tree Resources. The Community Tree Program encourages cities to develop an ongoing tree improvement program which, according to Community Forestry Standards, qualifies them for Tree City USA designation under Tier One Criteria.

Eligible Projects

Planting of all new, healthy, nursery tree and shrub stock

Replacement of city street trees

New planting of city street trees

Tree plantings on city-owned parcels

Parks, cemeteries, town entrances and boulevards

Level One

Sponsors shall:

Establish a legally constituted Community Tree Board that has the responsibility of the proper public tree resource management. The Board may be an existing organized body, such as a town board.Conduct an inventory and assess the current public trees. The area Forester will conduct inventories and NRD personnel may assist.
The Plan must be approved by a District Extension Forester or NRD.
Develop a Work Plan of tree planting, removal, maintenance and keep active (maintenance portion) for ten years
Submit to the NRD a proposed annual budget of estimated costs and how the community plans to meet these commitments for the length of the tree plan.
Have an updated City Tree Ordinance.
A copy of the Tree Plan and cover letter must be submitted to the NRD from the Community Tree Board no less than two weeks prior to the NRD Committee Meeting to consider action on the proposal.

Funds Available: The NRD will provide 50% financial assistance on a per capita basis. The maximum contribution shall be $3.00 per capita, up to $10,000, with a minimum contribution of $500 to assist communities with small populations.

Level Two

Sponsors shall:

The applicant shall develop and submit a five year work plan for tree planting, with guidance from the District Extension Forester or NRD if possible.
The plan shall include a map showing where trees will be planted, a list of the trees with desired size and number to be planted, a time table for completion of the project and an estimated project cost.
Develop a Work Plan of tree planting, removal, maintanance; and keep active (maintenance portion) for ten years.
The sponsoring group will be required to provide funds or in-kind services to match funds profided by the NRD.
Applications shall be submitted prior to April 1st.

Funds Available: The NRD will provide cost share of 50% up to $1,500 per community, for projects which have been approved by the District. Funds will be limited to one request per community per five years.