RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH GREEN MINNEAPOLIS TO COLLABORATE ON TREE PLANTING PROJECT, THE MINNEAPOLIS PARK & RECREATION BOARD PLANTING PROJECT 2021

Recommendation:

Whereas, The Park Board’s Forestry Department plays an operative role in establishing and perpetuating the urban forest and public trees in the City of Minneapolis;
Whereas, Funding to support the Forestry Department's annual tree planting efforts will return to typical levels after the completion of the current dedicated levy to address Emerald Ash Borer;
Whereas, Conditions of the urban forest in Minneapolis indicate a compelling need for expansion of the public tree canopy;
Whereas, Green Minneapolis is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 conservancy with the mission to advance the vibrancy of Minneapolis through parks and greening;
Whereas, Green Minneapolis has proposed the establishment of a program involving carbon offsets as means of funding continued tree planting and ongoing care of trees by the Forestry Department;
Whereas, The Park Board and Green Minneapolis desire to collaborate on the establishment of a carbon offset program and its initial funding as a means of expanding and perpetuating Minneapolis’ urban forest and public tree canopy; and
RESOLVED, That the Board Approves a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Green Minneapolis to collaborate on the establishment of a carbon offset program and its initial funding as a means of expanding and perpetuating Minneapolis’ urban forest and public tree canopy; and
Whereas, MPRB legal counsel has reviewed the Fundraising Agreement as to form and legality.
RESOLVED, That the President of the Board and Secretary to the Board are authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.