The Lower Elkhorn NRD's Board of Directors has developed this program to provide both technical assistance and cost-share assistance to communities within the Lower Elkhorn NRD for tree planting projects to improve, or renovate community green spaces on public lands. It will compliment existing State and Federal government community forestry cost-share assistance programs by offering up to 65% of local project costs (up to $5,000).

• A. Criteria for Eligible Projects
• 1. Each project must be sponsored by a city, village, county or school and be located on publicly owned land.
• 2. The project must conform with the comprehensive plan for the municipality and provide primarily public benefits.
• 3. Tree species planted under this program must be purchased from a Nebraska commercial nursery and be adapted to local environmental growing conditions.
• 4. Eligible project components:
• a. Tree Removal - The cost of tree removal including disposal and cleanup.
• b. Site preparation.
• c. Purchase of Plant Materials and the cost of materials such as mulch and stakes.
• d. Tree Installation - Including all associated costs such as mulching and all finish work.
• e. Materials and Supplies - Equipment may not be purchased with grant monies.
• f. The cost of one year's maintenance of newly planted trees and shrubs. This includes watering and all necessary follow-up care.
• g. In-Kind Donations - Planting stock, materials, supplies, and labor (not government employees) donated to the project by local community members up to 50% of the sponsor's share of project costs.
• h. Project planning and design services by professional Landscape Architects or Designers may be eligible for cost-share.
• 5. Landscaping around new buildings is not an eligible practice.
• 6. Projects must conform with all local, state, and federal laws.
• B. District Responsibilities
• 1. Administer the Community Forestry Incentive Program.
• 2. Review and prioritize all applications for assistance.
• 3. Reimburse Sponsors up to 65% of the eligible local costs (i.e., excluding state and federal funds) of an approved and completed project, up to a maximum $5,000 in District funds. Maximum payment for purchase of trees is $50.00 per tree.
• 4. The District reserves the right to approve or reject plans, specifications, implementation schedules, and entire project applications.
• C. Sponsor Requirements
• 1. The sponsor shall complete application on District's form 115a.
• 2. The sponsor shall submit preliminary plans with the application. The following items should be included:
• a. Budget Worksheet (included in packet).
• b. Map of project site showing planting locations, species to be planted and a color photo of the project site.
• c. Narrative explaining the objectives of the project.
• d. A maintenance plan for projects that include tree planting
• 3. The sponsor shall execute the District's Special Project Operation and Maintenance Agreement, Form 115b, upon approval of funding and before starting work on the project.
• 4. The sponsor shall obtain all necessary local, state, and federal permits.
• 5. The sponsor shall manage the completed project and provide all future (after one year) operation and maintenance of the area at no cost to the District.
• 6. The sponsor shall agree to manage the completed project as a public facility for a minimum of 10 years.
• 7. The sponsor shall administer all contracts for design, tree removal, and tree planting for the project.
• 8. The sponsor shall control all erosion on the site during and after construction.
• 9. The sponsor shall hold and save the District free from damages or claims to project activities, operation, and maintenance.
• 10. The approved application becomes an agreement with the District which includes these guidelines.
• 11. The sponsor is encouraged to utilize recycled or recyclable products whenever practical or feasible.
• D. Requesting Reimbursement
• 1. Upon completion of the project, the Sponsor may request reimbursement from the District by providing a final report including:
• a. Letter summarizing the work completed, with project map if different from original map with application.
• b. Listing of all project expenditures.
• c. Copies of all receipts that have been paid.