AMEREN ILLINOIS' RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE GRANT PROGRAM PROMOTES A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH TO  VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WITH THE MUNICIPALITIES WE SERVE.

As part of this program, we work with municipal leaders to identify trees which may be better suited for removal rather than continual trimming. This grant program provides municipalities with funds to replace removed trees or promote the principles of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Program. Communities will be awarded$125 for each eligible removed tree.

1. Work with your Ameren Illinois Forestry Supervisor to identify trees eligible for removal by Ameren Illinois.

2. Submit the application on this brochure.

3. Include a summary description of how you plan to use the grant money.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT BASICS

     1. Trees growing up toward the power lines are targets for removal. Even trees that are well below the power lines should be removed to prevent future interference. Stumps will not be ground out.

2. We will coordinate tree removal with the city.

3. A hazard tree is a dead, dying or otherwise unstable tree that is threatening the power lines and must be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

4. City is responsible for removal of debris.

GRANT PROGRAM BASICS

1. Only trees growing in public rights-of-way and having the potential to interfere with overhead lines are eligible for the grant program.

2. Trees must be identified before removal and approved as eligible by your local Ameren Illinois Forestry Supervisor.

3. $125 will be awarded for each eligible tree removed, up to $2,500.

4. Communities may use the funds in a manner consistent with the Right Tree, Right Place principles. Some examples include:

• Planting new trees outside of the right-of-way

• Planting approved replacement trees inside the right of way (work with your Ameren Illinois Forestry Supervisor)

• Developing a community-wide tree management plan

• Maintenance of existing trees

• Obtaining Tree City USA certification

5. Communities may apply more than once per year, but the maximum annual grant award will be $2,500.

6. Only government entities (villages, towns, townships, and counties) are eligible to apply.

7. Community members must receive electric delivery service from Ameren Illinois.