Cost-share programs shall provide for the reimbursement of approved cost-share practices based on the specific documentation and inspections as set forth in the applicable cost-share program requirements and subject to the provisions of this chapter. The Village share of reimbursement for each cost-share program shall be fixed from time to time in a written policy by the Board of Trustees. The ecological programs listed in this section are authorized as cost-share programs, and the Board of Trustees from time to time may authorize additional cost-share programs to assist residents with various aspects of managing and enhancing the Village's natural areas.
Cost-Share Program | Purpose |
Cost-Share Program | Purpose |
Canopy and Subcanopy Tree Thinning | To encourage owners to remove selected canopy and subcanopy trees such as sugar maple and basswood in order to reduce shade levels and competition for desirable species such as oak trees that are present on a property or that will be planted. |
Invasive Shrub Removal | To encourage owners to remove invasive shrubs from their property thereby improving the ecological health by removing competition and increasing the opportunity for desirable native plants to grow and thrive. |
Garlic Mustard Removal | To encourage owners to remove garlic mustard from their property thereby improving the health of the woodland understory by removing competition and increasing the opportunity for desirable native plants to grow and thrive. |
Native Tree and Shrub Planting | To encourage owners, whether they own wooded property or not, to plant native trees and shrubs that will increase the native species composition in the Village. |
Rain Gardens | To encourage owners to install rain gardens on private property to "micro-manage" stormwater runoff as close to the source (like downspouts, driveways, sump pump discharges) as possible. |
Prescribed Burning | To encourage owners to make use of prescribed burn management to improve the health of a woodland or prairie by removing duff, replenishing the soil with nutrients, and by allowing desirable native plants to thrive. |
Native Seeding | To encourage owners: a) to seed or plant an area with native species following garlic mustard removal or invasive shrub removal in order to prevent the reestablishment of these invasive species and b) to seed a woodland understory, prairie, or wetland, depending on site conditions or following a prescribed burn. |
(Ord. 17-03-05, 3-21-2017)