Put Our Money Where Our Natural Resources Are
It’s Contractor Season in Apple Valley with Parks Projects actively going out to bid. Voters approved the Parks Bond in November of 2023, and the new tax levy to pay for it - about $10/year more for a median-valued home. The final budget approved by City Council on December 12th allocated 0.7% of the General Fund budget towards Natural Resources in 2025, and 0.9% in 2026. By comparison, the Parks & Rec budget is 2.6% and 2.7% of the General Fund budget, respectively.
The stated goals for Natural Resources in 2025 include finalizing the Draft Alimagnet Management Plan, with implementation in 2026 - in addition to a City-wide Natural Resources Management Plan! These are exciting developments that Apple Valley Eco Advocates have lobbied for, and we are proud to see our City leaders including these objectives in their planning process. The funding for these efforts will leverage Franchise Fees to pursue grant dollars.
Between Emerald Ash Borer, water quality, and forest health management, our staff in the Natural Resource Department certainly have their work cut out for them. Implementing the Natural Resource Management Plans will require more resources than we currently have budgeted. The plan to implement the Natural Resource objectives using grant dollars only works if Apple Valley wins these competitive grant applications - guaranteed and dedicated funding sufficient to complete the goals are necessary for the long-term success of the Natural Resources Management Plan implementation efforts.
79% of respondents to the Parks Bond Referendum Survey indicated that Natural Resources is a priority. It’s time to start spending like it. Let the Apple Valley City Council know that you want them to prioritize our Natural Resources in the City budget:
