Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Implement a Tree Master Plan
Staffreport
SUMMARY
The City contracted with PlanIT Geo in 2022 to develop an inventory of street and park trees, and to develop a comprehensive Tree Master Plan. The purpose of the plan is to improve community resilience; to redress environmental justice in access to clean air, green spaces, and reduced exposure to urban heat; to proactively maintain the urban forest; and to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution to approve and implement the Tree Master Plan.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES
* Infrastructure
* Sustainability & Resiliency
* Quality of Life
BACKGROUND
Urban forestry and carbon sequestration were identified as key strategies in the City's 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP) for improving community-wide public health, safety, and wellbeing and increasing resilience of vulnerable populations against the hazards of extreme heat and flooding. The CAP also identifies street trees as an important resource for climate mitigation in the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory.
The City contracted with PlanIT Geo in 2022 to prepare the Citywide Tree Master Plan for the purpose of meeting the City's long-term goals for urban greening and climate action. The scope of work for the contract included an inventory of the City's public trees, an urban heat assessment, tree canopy cover analyses and goal setting, an evaluation of urban forestry operations, strategies for growing and preserving the urban forest, and robust education and outreach.
The contract was extended in July 2024 due to staff transitions and the need to further examine impacts on the Urban Forestry section budget and maintenance operations. The additional scope of work included adjustments to the existing deliverables that align with the new Recreation and Parks Department vision and structure with a focus on clarifying roles and responsibilities, budget and maintenance pr...
Click here for full text