Faribault’s Voluntary Diseased Tree Removal Program Proves a Success

BRAD PHENOW, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
FARIBAULT (POPULATION 24,451)

A drive around our community revealed a daunting task. Nearly one-third of Faribault’s tree canopy was dying. First detected locally in 2021, emerald ash borer had already left a devastating mark.

With the City Council committed to addressing blighted properties, staff knew sitting idle was not an option — especially following the recent implementation of administrative citations and an existing ordinance declaring dying trees a nuisance.

Staff recognized the financial burden that enforcement would place on residents. We also understood that dead and dying trees contribute to declining property values and create health and safety hazards.

It’s a conundrum familiar to many municipalities.

Through some creative brainstorming, staff proposed a less heavy-handed approach by offering a voluntary special assessment program that allowed diseased trees to be removed while spreading the cost over a five-year period through special assessments.

This highly successful, multi-department effort led to the removal of nearly 200 trees in its first year.

The city promoted the program through direct mailings in problem areas and marketed it on social media. Once residents enrolled, parks staff visited the sites to complete a basic site assessment. Public works then coordinated consent and waiver forms before engineering sent the project out to bid in four separate quadrants.

The project was ultimately awarded to a single tree company, which completed the removals within four months. The City Council then formally adopted the assessments, with the first payments scheduled for 2026. The city used its general fund balance to support upfront costs, making recovery in the following fiscal year critical to reducing the city’s financial exposure.

Thanks to this program, residents were able to overcome the upfront cost barrier that prevented many from removing dead trees, while also giving the city a practical path forward to address nuisance trees.

With lessons learned and some program changes on the horizon, the City of Faribault looks forward to continuing the effort in the years ahead.

Oakdale Eco Fair and Clothing Swap Supports Sustainability

LORI PULKRABEK, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
OAKDALE (POPULATION 28,303)

The City of Oakdale Eco Fair and Clothing Swap is proof that residents can make a meaningful impact on their community when they speak up and bring ideas to the table.

For several years, the Oakdale Environmental Management Commission advocated for opportunities to educate residents about a wide range of environmental topics and initiatives. The goal was to provide practical resources and encourage simple, actionable steps residents could take to support sustainability and environmental stewardship within the broader community.

With the support from the City Council, the Oakdale Eco Fair became a reality in 2025. More than 100 people attended the inaugural event to connect with city leaders, participate in fun activities, and engage with 18 vendors and exhibitors, including watershed districts, energy nonprofits, garden clubs, and local community organizations.

Following the initiative’s success, support grew to make the Eco Fair an annual event. In 2026, the city expanded it to include a clothing swap designed to encourage reuse, reduce clothing and textile waste, and help meet local clothing needs.

The city collected clothing donations for two weeks leading up to the Eco Fair on April 25. Volunteers weighed, sorted, and organized over 2,600 pounds of donated clothing.

Attendance at the 2026 Eco Fair and Clothing Swap doubled from the previous year, with 200 people attending and more than 25 vendors participating. Staff estimated that 75% of the donated clothing found a new home through the swap. Remaining items were donated to local shelters, including Basic Needs and Joseph’s Coat.

Volunteers included Environmental Management Commission members, the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club, and students from Tartan High School.

This year’s event far exceeded expectations and helped set the tone for years to come.