Background

The Minnesota legislature allocated $2 million in Forest Protection Reserve funds from the Outdoor Heritage Fund (MN Laws 2009 Chapter 172, Article 1, Section 7) to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).  These funds were allocated for the purpose of issuing grants to aid municipalities and organizations in preparing for new infestations of emerald ash borer (EAB) or to respond to existing infestations of the invasive insect pest.  MDA was also to use up to $125,000 to update the state's invasive and exotic tree pest plans. 

MDA convened the Forest Protection Reserve Advisory Committee (including state legislators, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, federal and state agencies, tribes, local units of government, University of Minnesota, and industry and non-profit groups) to guide MDA in accomplishing the tasks associated with the appropriation.  Subsequently, MDA announced the recipients of $1.875 million in Forest Protection Reserve Grants in January 2010.  

Grants Program

MDA created two Forest Protection Reserve Grant Programs:

1. Incident Response Grants are intended for use by local units of government and other entities to respond to known infestations of EAB. 
2. Planning and Preparedness Grants are intended for use by local units of government and other entities to plan and prepare for the invasion of EAB. 

>> Learn more about the grant program

Minnesota EAB Community Preparedness Outreach Program

• EAB has only been found in a four counties in Minnesota, and it is important for communities to prepare now for EAB prior to it’s arrival in their community. Preparedness will allow for the impact to be spread over a larger period of time instead of all absorbing all of the impacts at once.
• A survey created with guidance from a variety of organizational partners was sent to all communities in the state to learn what information on EAB preparedness is needed.  Initial analyses of survey results suggest workshops covering an array of EAB management topics are desired.

>> Learn more about the Community Preparedness Program