Michigan City Tree Board June 3, 2026

The Michigan City Tree Board held its meeting on June 3, 2026, focusing primarily on urban forestry management and grant opportunities. Key procurement-related discussions included updates on the IRA grant project for tree watering services, where a contractor was hired to water 500 trees using a trailer and pickup truck, with plans to continue watering for two years as required by the grant. The board also discussed challenges related to funding and equipment for watering, including the inability to secure city vehicles or lease trucks for this purpose, which impacts future planting and maintenance efforts. Additionally, two new grant opportunities were highlighted: a Division of Forestry community and urban forestry grant requiring a 50% match, and a potential larger grant (up to $250,000) focused on invasive species removal and replanting native trees. The board considered strategies for securing matching funds, possibly through in-kind city services, and planned to further discuss these grants in upcoming meetings. Other procurement-related topics included maintaining and clarifying the city's online registry of tree care professionals to ensure proper licensing and insurance compliance, with potential ordinance amendments to be recommended to city council. The board also reviewed budget reports, approved monthly financial claims, and discussed community engagement activities such as tree giveaways and volunteer recruitment for planting projects.