Minnesota ReLeaf Funding and Legislative Discussion Points

* All Oil overcharge, Natural Resources Trust Fund and MN Future Resources Funds were appropriated by the MN Legislature as recommended by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR).

Legislative discussion points: (see fact sheets for details)
- Local / Federal match: The state’s investment has been matched over 2:1 by local cash & in-kind contributions, and nearly 4:1 if Federal funds are included.
- Why not LCMR? The FY’02-‘03 ReLeaf proposal missed getting a hearing by 1 vote. LCMR staff feel the members were looking more favorably at new initiatives. It’s time to make a longer term investment in our community forests, where most Minnesotans spend most of their time.
- ReLeaf’s primary objective: The goal of the program is to increase local technical expertise, citizen awareness and the local share of costs, in order to reduce the reliance on state funding.
- Building local capacity: Through ReLeaf, nearly 200 communities across Minnesota have started or expanded tree management programs, and over 60 have become self-sufficient after completing a tree inventory to develop a management plan, build citizen support and justify necessary funding for trees.
- Oak wilt: From ‘91-‘97, 60% of known Oak Wilt centers were treated, BUT wind storms in ‘97- ‘98 doubled the acreage in some northern Metro counties. We must maintain the momentum of control.
- “Smart growth”: ReLeaf Forest Health $s provide workshops for local planners, decision-makers, builders, developers and foresters, using “Best Management” guidelines to protect those forests facing the greatest development pressures. All communities involved so far expressed the need for assistance in completing natural resources inventories as a first step in land use / comprehensive planning.
- Forestry Div. budget: A FY’02-3 shortfall of $2.3 million will cause layoffs and field staff to be re-assigned. Some additional state funding is needed to meet DNR’s 9.8% ReLeaf oversight costs.