The City of Spokane, along with the Spokane County Conservation District and the Downtown Spokane Partnership, is launching a grant program to plant new street trees in downtown Spokane. The program is intended to replace or add up to 50 street trees a year in an area bounded by Spokane Falls Boulevard to the north, Second Avenue to the south, just past Monroe Street to the west, and just past Washington Street to the east. There are about 500 locations in the downtown core that are suitable for street trees, but many of these sites are empty or have trees that are in poor health. The grant program is a way to get new trees into these locations. “Street trees in our downtown have many positive benefits. We get cleaner air, shade, and a great amenity,” says Spokane Mayor Mary Verner. “This is about protecting and enhancing our community forest and urban environment.” Property owners can apply for the $500 grants for tree sites adjacent to their properties. The property owner must agree to remove any existing tree and installing a privately connected irrigation system for the site. They also commit to watering and caring for the tree for 25 years. The City will backfill the tree pit with appropriate planting mix, and the Spokane County Conservation District will plant a new tree in each location. Approved tree species for the program include Green Ash, White Ash, Blue Ash, Little Leaf Linden, and American Linden. The Downtown Spokane Partnership will help promote the program. More information on the program is attached. |
