City Receives Major Federal Urban Forestry Development Grant from U.S. Forest Service

Ames Parks and Recreation Department was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Forest Service for $810,500 to be distributed over five years for urban forestry projects. The Ames City Council approved accepting the grant at its meeting on June 25.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to continue our efforts combating Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), to diversify our urban trees, and to tackle projects in wooded areas," said Gabriele Edwards, Ames City Forester. "Additionally, we will work on tree trimming, invasive vegetation control, and creating a gravel bed nursery to develop young trees for planting in parks and public space."

The City has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to handle grant management and required reporting. In the past decade, City staff has developed and implemented plans to improve the urban forest on public property. The grant allows for work to be continued and improved by planting additional trees, improving park woodlands, expediting removal of ash trees, and updating the tree inventory. These additional funds will allow staff to complete activities that are not planned in the current or future budgets.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that kills all species of ash trees confirmed in Story County. To slow the spread of this destructive insect, the City of Ames has implemented an Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan that balances public safety with a commitment to replanting trees on public land.

The Parks and Recreation Department manages 40 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional, and wellness programs. For more information, go to the Parks and Recreation homepage at www.amesparkrec.org or call the Community Center at 515.239.5350.

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