Tree seedling drought relief grants program
Tree seedling drought relief grants program supports Minnesota counties and tribal governments with replanting and seedling care to restore young forest stands damaged by the 2021 drought.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: June 30, 2027 (Project funding end date)
Funding Amounts: $1.25 million total available; no minimum or maximum grant amount; no match required
Summary: Supports Minnesota counties and tribal governments in restoring young forest stands damaged by the 2021 drought.
Key Information: Eligible stands must be less than 10 years old and meet drought-mortality, tree-density, and stocking thresholds.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources administers this program to help counties and tribal governments replant young forest stands damaged by the 2021 drought. Funding supports services and materials needed to restore previously reforested sites to their condition before drought damage, including planting bareroot and container seedlings, preparing sites, protecting seedlings from deer browse, and releasing seedlings from competing vegetation.
Restoration targets sites where drought-related seedling losses have reduced regeneration below DNR standards for the forest cover type, floristic region, and planting age. The program prioritizes applicants with trained forestry staff and forest management or natural resource plans, alongside projects benefiting underserved populations and areas of environmental justice concern.
