The City of Coeur d’Alene has announced the availability of free street trees for seven new subdivisions. The trees are available for planting within the rights-of-way of Sunshine Meadows, The Landings at Waterford, Ramsey Meadows, Copper Ridge, Jae’s Place, Echo Glenn, and Prospector Ridge. Homeowners or residents in these subdivisions who are willing to provide care for street trees can contact the Urban Forestry division of the Coeur d’Alene Parks Department to sign up for a tree. There are a limited number of trees and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funding for the trees has come from a street tree fee collected on residential building permits. The residential street tree fees can be refunded to builders or new homeowners who plant a street tree upon completion of a new home. Six months after the completion of a home, unclaimed funds are forfeited to the City. The City is now using these forfeited funds to purchase and plant trees in the same neighborhoods where the fees originated.
Of course, the owners of the homes whose building permit fees were forfeited are the first choice for using these funds. The city has already contacted them regarding the planting program. However, there are still a limited number of trees unclaimed. These street trees are being offered to any home in these same neighborhoods. The only qualification is that there is someone willing to make sure the trees are watered and protected from string trimmers and mowers.
The tree species still available for spring planting are honeylocust, white ash, and black tupelo. The trees will be planted by contract tree planting crews in May. Since there are a limited number of trees, interested homeowners are encouraged to reply as soon as possible. A response form is available on the city web site at www.cdaid.org, or send an e-mail to karenh@cdaid.org, or call Urban Forestry at 769-2266 or 415-0415.
