Commission to partner with PREP on tree-inventory grant; timeline for project unclear

The Conservation Commission discussed a prospective partnership with the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership, known as PREP, to scope and seek grant funding for a GPS-based city tree inventory. Commissioners said PREP — a program operating under the National Estuary Program with EPA support and housed at the University of New Hampshire — would help define the project scope (street trees, parks, cemeteries or all city-owned trees), assist with the grant application and potentially provide matching funds to reduce municipal costs. Members noted the commission previously approved city funding for the inventory but that receipt of an outside grant could change timing. Staff said grant applications typically take months, and commissioners asked staff to update the consultant and stakeholders that the work could be delayed pending grant outcomes. Commissioners asked staff (Michelle and Director Mears were named in the discussion) to meet with PREP, and PREP is expected to brief the commission at an upcoming August meeting. No formal contract or grant award was approved at the meeting; commissioners authorized staff to continue grant discussions and to notify the consultant engaged to perform the inventory about the potential for a grant-driven schedule shift.