BROOKINGS A program to help the health and sustainability of Brookings trees will kick off on Earth Day, which is April 22. The city of Brookings is again investing in the Urban Forest Initiative, which provides residents the chance to plant trees at little or no cost.
One of the signature features of Brookings is its trees, saidJoshua Bauman, assistant director of the citys Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. The trees planted through this program will help preserve our communitys urban forest for generations to come.
The Arbor Day Foundation recently recognized Brookings as a Tree City USA for the 42ndyear, Bauman said. The designation is awarded to communities that demonstrate a commitment to urban forestry.
The city is investing $30,000 in its Urban Forest Initiative this year. Bauman said 452 trees have been planted throughout the community since the programs start in 2021.
The program is open only to city of Brookings residents. The limit is one tree per property per year. Reimbursements are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the $30,000 is depleted.
This years reimbursement process is different from last year. Eligible participants will need to first buy a tree on the citys approved list. They will then need to take the receipt from their purchase to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry office during regular business hours. Staff will issue a reimbursement check for up to $125. Participants are responsible for paying any cost above $125 per tree. Tree purchase receipts must be dated April 22 or later.
A list of approved trees and other program details are available atwww.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/UrbanForest.Trees may be planted in front or back yards and on boulevards. However, before planting on the boulevard, residents must call the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department at 605-692-2708 for approval. Also before you plant your trees, call South Dakota One Call at 811 for locating and marking of all underground utility lines.
The Parks, Recreation and Forestry office is in the Brookings City & County Government Center. The address is 520 Third St., Suite 130. The office is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 7 a.m. to noon Friday.
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