To: PUBLIC WORKS AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
From: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TITLE
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DISCUSSION ON STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING THE CITY'S TREE CANOPY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Strategic Plan of the City Council includes an objective to "Inventory the City's tree canopy and present a discussion item to the City Council to determine the best strategies to enhance the tree canopy in the future". The City has recently adopted a tree protection ordinance to protect existing trees, but the objective asks what more could be done to increase the tree canopy in the City. Staff is seeking input from the public and the Public Works and Sustainability Commission (PWSC) on this topic in preparation for presentation of a report to the City Council.
BACKGROUND
The benefits of a healthy tree canopy in urban areas are becoming increasingly understood and appreciated. Documented benefits include cleaner air, heat island effect reduction, improved wildlife habitat, aesthetic value, economic value of property, stormwater quality improvements and mental health benefits. In 2021, the City Council directed the Public Works Department to begin exploration of potential changes to the City's Municipal Code to protect and potentially enhance the City's urban forest. Staff presented information and collected feedback from three of the City's commissions and reported back to the City Council. In the end, the City Council adopted ordinance changes that address protection of City trees (those in parks and in the public right of way). A summary of the activities of staff and the recommendations and actions of the various commissions and the Council are included as Attachment 1.
Determining goals and policies for the trees that are owned by the City and under its control is relatively straightforward. However, potential ordinances to address removal of, or requirements to install trees on private property can be much more controversial. Drastic improvements to the...
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