Derecho Recovery - Stump Grinding, Replanting & Environmental Healing Underway
Derecho Recovery - Stump Grinding, Replanting & Environmental Healing Underway
October 3, 2022

Work continues across the City following the devastating 2020 Derecho. Major milestones — including tree and non-organic debris removal, unhealthy tree removal, and right-of-way tree trimming — are complete. Ongoing environmental-healing efforts include stump grinding/site restoration and the ReLeaf effort to restore our tree canopy.
Bookmark this page, as it will be frequently updated with the latest information.
Recent Updates
October 3, 2022 — The City’s stump grinding and site restoration program remains underway. The process is coordinated with the ReLeaf program and neighborhood construction projects. Workers are removing stumps along priority routes and in zones across the city. Residents can find a dashboard with a map of activity underway. Learn more.

Underway: Drainageway Cleanup
The City is working to cleanup drainageways with lingering tree debris.

Underway: Stump Grinding & Site Restoration
Staff from the Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments are teaming up with private contractors to grind stumps in the public right-of-way and restore lawns following the work.

Underway: ReLeaf Cedar Rapids
The ReLeaf plan provides a "green print" for leaders, volunteers, Trees Forever, and citizens to follow while rebuilding a health tree canopy. The plan includes planting of 42,000 trees along Cedar Rapids streets and in City parks.

Completed: Tree Debris Removal
Neighborhood collection is complete. Learn about property owners' responsibilities and find resources for those in need to connect with additional help.

Completed: Non-organic Debris Removal
Curbside collection is complete. Find additional resources for disposal of nonorganic debris.
Information on this Page
Jump to: FAQs | Mulch & Compost | Community Resources & Services | Media Releases | Archive Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Department, Division Phone Numbers- Parks & Recreation | Stump grinding, right-of-way replanting: 319-286-5747
- Utilities, Solid Waste & Recycling | Tree debris nuisance abatement: 319-286-5897
- Building Services | Building permits: 319-286-5831
- Public Works, Right-of-Way | Right-of-way permits: 319-286-5777
Mulch & Compost
- FREE compost and mulch available at the Linn County Solid Waste Agency while supplies last: solidwasteagency.org | 319-398-5163
Community Resources
- Community Resources Remain Available for Derecho Assistance
- PATCH Program - Housing Rehabilitation
A donation-based program that assists homeowners with repairs or a gap loan for repairs: http://www.ecicog.org/patch.html - Tree Removal Assistance
For tree removal needs on private property, the City is collaborating with United Way of East Central Iowa and Waypoint to match resident needs to volunteer groups with the appropriate skills. Please contact Waypoint at 319-366-7999 for additional information. - Community Resource | Together We Achieve | 319-432-9754 | 1150 27th Ave SW
City Services
- Building Permits | (319) 286-5929 | home repair resource page
- Right-of-Way Permits (driveway, sidewalk work, etc.) | ROW permits
Private Utility Resources
- IMON | 319-298-6484 | service@imon.net
- Iowa Communication Network | 800-572-3940 | icnservicedesk@iowa.gov
- ITC Midwest | 319-297-6843 | clovell@itctransco.com
- CenturyLink | 1-800-244-1111
- Mediacom | 855-MEDIACOM
- Linn County Rec | 888-271-6250 | https://www.linncountyrec.com/service-and-reliability/outage-management
- MidAmerican | 1-888-427-5632
- Alliant Energy Street Lights | https://www.alliantenergy.com/CustomerService/AlliantEnergyService/OutageCenter/RequestaStreetlightRepair
Media Releases & News Conferences
- 6/30/21 - View Press Release
- 6/17/21 - View Press Release
- 6/10/21 - View Press Release
- 5/29/21 - View Press Release
- 5/4/21 - View Press Release
- 4/27/21 - View Press Release
- 4/23/21 - View Press Release
- 4/20/21 - View Press Release
- 4/14/21 - View Press Release
- 3/19/21 - View Press Release
- 1/12/2021 - View Press Release
- 12/16/2020 - View Press Release
- 11/24/2020 - View Press Release
- 11/12/2020 - View Press Release
- 10/30/2020 - View Press Release
- 10/22/2020 - View Press Release
- 10/7/2020 - View Press Release
- 8/24/20 - Watch News Conference // View Press Release
- 8/21/20 - Watch News Conference // View Press Release
- 8/20/20 - Watch News Conference // View Press Release
- 8/19/20 - Watch News Conference // View Press Release
- 8/18/20 - Watch News Conference // View Press Release
- 8/17/20 - News Conference: Part 1 | Part 2 // View Press Release
- 8/14/20 - Watch News Conference
- 8/13/20 - Watch News Conference
- 8/12/20 - View Press Release
- 8/11/20 - View Press Release
- 8/10/20 - View Press Release #1, Release #2
Archival Derecho Information
Find archive information related to initial disaster recovery efforts.