Grant to pay for native trees to reduce runoff

By Lisa Brody

A grant of $7,500 from the Alliance of Rouge Communities through the U.S. Forest Service, to plant native trees for reduction of runoff in Rouge River communities, was unanimously approved by Bloomfield Township trustees at their meeting on Monday, May 10.

Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, township director of engineering and environmental services, said the township received funding for up to $150 per tree for 50 trees, totaling $7,500, through the Alliance of Rouge Communities to plant native trees within public right of ways and within public properties. She said the department determined where to plant based on replacement needs and areas that currently lack trees.

Olsztyn-Budry said the two recommended locations include Maple Road between Inkster and Franklin Roads, and the west side of Adams Road between Square Lake and Long Lake Roads.

“We have to provide a match in cash and staff time,” she said. If approved, we'll prepare plans and bid documents.”

The projects would be bid out fall of 2021 or in spring 2022.