NOTICE: Addendum No. 1 for the Request for Proposals (RFP) for project titled “Tree Inventory, Community Forestry Management Plan, and Tree Removal and Planting.“ This Addendum addresses questions received from Proposers before August 6th 2026. Questions submitted after this date may not have been addressed by this Addendum. Posting Date: August 12th 2026. To read the full addendum, download it here, Tree Equity Grant Addendum 1 Form.
Heartlands Conservancy is seeking proposals from qualified firms with demonstrated experience in public tree inventory data collection, tree removal and planting, and community/urban forest management plan (CFMP/UFMP) development. To learn more about the project and download the request for proposals (RFP), RFP for ESTL Tree Equity Grant 2026.
The purpose of this Request For Proposals (RFP) is to solicit and evaluate qualified contractors to:
- Complete a comprehensive citywide tree inventory of public trees on streets, right-of-ways, parks, and public properties within a minimum of 95% accuracy goal;
- Remove and replace up to 75 dead or hazardous trees via professional and skilled arborists;
- Purchase and plant up to 400 native trees in disadvantaged census tracts within East St. Louis, IL; and
- Assist with the development of a Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) based on the completed inventory, and provide recommendations for the stewardship of community trees.
The physical printed, sealed copy will be accepted during office hours (8-4:30, M-Thursday) before the deadline of 2pm on August 18th 2026. There is a mail slot to the right of the front door, near the ground. Drop off location: HeartLands Conservancy, 29 E Main Street, Belleville, Illinois 62220.
Day-of submission of materials can be sent electronically to:
Laura Lyon
Chief Operating Officer
HeartLands Conservancy
La********@*******************cy.org
Questions must be submitted in writing by email to Mack, Project Coordinator at Ma**@*******************cy.org, with a copy to Laura Lyon at La********@*******************cy.org. Questions received after the stated deadline may not be answered. HLC will issue written responses or addenda as needed. No oral interpretation of this RFP shall be binding. We request that an email also be sent to the above email addresses with notice of intent to apply.
Only complete proposals received by the proposal deadline will be reviewed. HLC will begin proposal review after the submission deadline. HLC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor informalities, request clarification, interview proposers, negotiate scope and cost, and award a contract in the best interest of HLC and the project.
Important Dates*
- RFP Issued: July 17th 2026
- Final Date for Written Questions: August 6th 2026
- Responses to Questions/Addenda Issued By: August 12th 2026
- Proposals Due: August 18th by 2:00pm, Central Time
- Anticipated Contractor Selection: by September 15th 2026
- Anticipated Contract Start: no later than October 1st 2026
- Required Project Completion Date of all deliverables: April 15th 2028
*Dates subject to change based on input from grantee and grantor.
Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, in partnership with The Morton Arboretum. USDA and HeartLands Conservancy are equal opportunity providers and employers.