From: "Fred Diehl" To: "Fred Diehl" Subject: New Tree Planting Initiative Programs Announced Date: Friday, March 25, 2005 3:48 PM <> For Immediate Release Contact: Fred Diehl, March 25, 2005 Information Coordinator 303-926-2764 New Tree Planting Initiative Programs Announced Erie Residents and HOAs Eligible for 50% Reimbursement of Cost of New Trees Erie, CO - Erie property owners interested in greening-up their yards just received a little help thanks to the Town's recently approved Tree Planting Initiative. Investing money from the Town's Tree Fund, the Town of Erie will reimburse 150 residents 50% of the cost of a new tree valued at $300 or less. In addition, the Board of Trustees has dedicated $35,000 to the planting of 200 new trees among Erie's Home Owners Associations (HOAs). Reservations for both of these Tree Planting Initiative programs are now being accepted on a first come first served basis. The Residential Cost Share Program is a cost share program that provides 50% matching funds toward the purchase of a new tree valued at up to $300. * Erie Citizens may apply for a Tree Certificate at the Town Hall Public Works Office - 645 Holbrook Street or by calling 303-926-2870. * The Tree Certificates are to be used at approved local nurseries. * 150 certificates will be available on a first come first served basis. * The program provides for one Tree Certificate per household per year. * Care and planting of the tree is the responsibility of the homeowner. * Trees must be from Erie's approved Tree List, which is available online at www.ci.erie.co.us. * Preferred tree planting dates are from March 15th to June 15th and from September 1st to October 15th. * Planting must be completed within one year of the date of issuance of the Tree Certificate. The Home Owner Associations Cost Share Program provides for a 50% reimbursement for new and replacement tree planting on Town property within their development. * HOAs may apply for a Tree Certificate at the Town Hall Public Works Office - 645 Holbrook Street or by calling 303-926-2870. * Erie has set aside $35,000 to fund this new tree planting initiative, which allows for the planting of up to 200 trees in 2005. * The participating HOA will be responsible for care and planting of the trees, and must submit a planting plan for review and approval by Town Staff before planting begins. * The number of trees planted will be divided equally among participating Home Owner's Associations if demand for trees exceeds the supply. * Trees planted must be selected from Erie's Approved Tree List, which is available online at www.ci.erie.co.us. * Preferred planting dates are from March 15th to June 15th and from September 1st to October 15th. BACKGROUND: The goal of the Town of Erie's Tree Fund is to plan and promote sound management of the Town's urban forest. Impact Fees are the primary revenue source for the Tree Fund. In December of last year, the Erie Tree Board presented the "Erie Tree Board's Prioritized Tree Fund Initiative" recommendations to the Board of Trustees. At that time, the Board directed Town Staff to review the proposals and recommend how to initiate them. Staff reviewed and amended the proposals and developed three options for use of the Tree Fund. The Board of Trustees approved these three tree-planting initiatives on March 22, 2005. The third tree-planting initiative includes the planting of 50 new trees in Town maintained parks, facilities and open space areas. For more information, please call 303-926-2870. ### Fred Diehl Assistant to the Town Administrator Town of Erie PO Box 750 Erie, CO 80516 Phone: 303-926-2764 Fax: 303-926-2706 fdiehl@ci.erie.co.us