What we know
Recent executive actions have immediately suspended funding for our Cooling Minnesota Communities (CMC) program.
Although the federal funding freeze has been lifted, reimbursements are still not being processed.
As a result, we have been forced to halt all federally funded aspects of the CMC program.
As of Friday, February 21, the USDA has defaulted on reimbursements for our work, despite the terms of our binding contract.
We have received no clarification or explanation regarding the delayed payments or the implications for our contract. Once we receive more information, we will determine the next steps for the program.
CMC Program Funding Pause
In 2023, Great River Greening was awarded a $10 million grant by the USDA Forest Service, made possible through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, to support our CMC program.
Program’s goal is to plant and water 10,000 trees across Minnesota over the next five years, which includes the removal of dead ash trees and hazardous trees.
The program expands and maintains tree canopies in areas that need them most, including Faribault, St. Cloud, Owatonna, Brooklyn Center, and Saint Paul.
This targets planting new trees in public spaces such as school campuses, city properties, and parks, while also distributing free trees to local residents.
The program involves 14 partners, including five cities, three school districts, and six nonprofit organizations.
The work was already underway before the funding pause.
Immediate Impact
We need to plant these trees now.
Over 8,500 trees will not be planted, reducing future tree canopy and its benefits for future generations.
843 hazardous trees will not be removed, increasing risks to public safety.
5,000 newly planted trees may not receive the watering they need this spring to survive, leaving them vulnerable to drought and likely loss.
The financial impact is equally alarming. If the delay continues into spring, more than $650,000 worth of work—including tree planting, watering, and tree removal—will be canceled.
Great River Greening had planned to invest $2 million in the CMC program in 2025 overall. This funding supports jobs for arborists, watering technicians, contractors, nurseries, and suppliers.
Take Action Now
Your Voice Matters
Reach out to your local senators and representatives immediately to escalate this issue on behalf of your community and demand they support the release of these critical funds.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
Minneapolis Office: 612-727-5220
Email here.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith
Minneapolis Office: 612-727-5220
Email here.
Representative Betty McCollum
St. Paul Office: 651-224-9191
Email here.
Representative Ilhan Omar
Minneapolis Office: 612-333-1272
Email here:
Representative Brad Finstad
Rochester Office: 507-577-6140
New Ulm Office: 507-577-6151
Email here:
Representative Tom Emmer
Ostego Office: 763-241-6848
Chaska Office: 952-262-2999
Email here:
Help us continue this critical work.
ADVOCATE for these federal funds. Email or call your local senators and representatives to escalate this issue on behalf of your community.
DONATE. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Every donation will help us continue this important work.
VOLUNTEER. Sign up and help plant trees - we can continue this work one tree at a time.
