**Urban Forestry Management Plan: A Key to Unlocking City Growth and Sustainability**
The City Council has taken a significant step towards unlocking the potential of urban trees by approving expenditures to support an inventory of trees within the City limits and their current health. This effort will provide crucial information to guide policy decisions, updates to zoning ordinances, and help protect the remaining trees in the City. The data collected will also inform the development of an Urban Forestry Management Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for the City’s future growth and sustainability.
Understanding the Importance of Urban Forestry
Urban forestry is a critical component of a city’s ecosystem, providing numerous benefits to residents, businesses, and the environment. Some of the key benefits of urban forestry include:
- Climate regulation: Urban trees help regulate the urban heat island effect, reducing the temperature in cities and improving air quality.
- Stormwater management: Trees absorb rainfall, reducing stormwater runoff and the burden on city infrastructure.
- Air quality improvement: Trees absorb pollutants, improving air quality and reducing the negative impacts of air pollution.
- Economic benefits: Urban trees increase property values, reduce maintenance costs, and provide opportunities for recreation and tourism.
The Study’s Objectives
The urban forestry study aims to provide the City with a comprehensive understanding of its urban tree canopy, including:
- Tree canopy mapping: A detailed map of the City’s tree canopy, including the location, size, and health of trees.
- Tree inventory: A detailed inventory of all trees in the City, including species, diameter, height, and health.
- Ecosystem services assessment: An assessment of the ecosystem services provided by urban trees, including climate regulation, stormwater management, and air quality improvement.
Selection of Consultant
The City conducted a Request for Qualifications, sending proposals to 13 consultants. After reviewing proposals and conducting interviews, the City determined that PlanIT Geo was the most qualified and able to provide the data that the City was requesting.
Scope of Work
The scope of work includes two primary deliverables:
- Urban tree canopy mapping: A detailed map of the City’s tree canopy, using aerial imagery, LiDAR, and other data sources.
- Tree inventory: A detailed inventory of all trees in the City, using web-based GIS data collection and online software tools.
Deliverables and Timeline
The final product will include data, reports, and access to web-based GIS software for a year, which may be extended. The total cost is $65,303, and staff recommends an additional contingency of $9,697 if more than 5,000 trees are identified or if additional community education is needed.
Conclusion
The urban forestry study is an important step towards unlocking the potential of urban trees in the City. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the City’s urban tree canopy, the study will inform policy decisions, updates to zoning ordinances, and guide the development of an Urban Forestry Management Plan. The data collected will also support the City’s Climate Action Strategies, including creating cool corridors for bicycle and pedestrian trails, installing green pocket forests, and seeking the Tree City USA designation.
The city’s commitment to urban forestry will not only benefit the environment but also enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses. By prioritizing urban forestry, the City is taking a proactive approach to sustainability and ensuring a healthy, thriving, and resilient urban environment for future generations.
