Methods and Procedures

  • Inventory - Project cooperators will demonstrate a stratified sampling system in two counties to characterize the street, yard, and woodlot tree volume, quality, and estimated value. At the same time a mail survey will be conducted throughout the RC&D area to determine the current volume of material being removed on a yearly basis as well as the costs associated with these removals. This inventory and mail survey will be conducted by a contractor.
  • Training - Project cooperators will conduct a variety of training sessions to improve local understanding of the local tree resource, recycling this resource into useable products, manufacturing such products, marketing these products and developing businesses that can use these products. Training will be provided to city foresters, tree service companies, city maintenance staff, park superintendents, road commission tree crews, arborists, city planners, economic developers, and entrepreneurs.
  • Value-Added Manufacturing and Business Development - Project cooperators will develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) to invite communities, non-profits, businesses and entrepreneurs to be involved in the demonstration of recycling and value-added opportunities. The RC&D Council will conduct the outreach process for this RFP throughout the RC&D Area. Applicants will be asked to provide matching funds or in-kind contributions of at least 2:1. Proposed projects will demonstrate how woody material generated in southeast Michigan can be recycled into useable products in order to reduce the volume of material going to land fills.

Targeting Michigan's core emerald ash borer infestation area of Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties.