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Urban Forest Evaluation StudyMasterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Urban Forest Evaluation Study DATE: June 28, 2011 Dubuque All - America City f 2007 Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware recommends City Council acceptance of the 2011 Urban Forest Evaluation Study prepared by Confluence and directing staff to prepare a comprehensive tree management plan and stand -alone tree policy. The goal will be to move Dubuque's urban forest from its current status of fair or better to good to excellent. Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware, Park Division Manager Bob Fritsch and Forester Steve Pregler will be tasked with developing a process for putting together a draft comprehensive tree management plan and stand -alone tree policy. This plan will include involvement of Sustainability Coordinator Cori Burbach, Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, City Attorney Barry Lindahl and other city staff as necessary. The process will also include public involvement of current groups such as Dubuque Trees and others that have interest in the urban forest. The education component could be complemented by partners such as neighborhood groups or the Arboretum. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager Michael C. Van Milligen Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager SUBJECT: Urban Forest Evaluation Study DATE: June 24, 2011 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to request acceptance of the 2011 Urban Forest Evaluation Study. BACKGROUND Confluence was selected in February of 2010 as the consultant for the Urban Forest Evaluation. Their charge was to review Dubuque's urban forest condition and make critical recommendations with respect to best management practices and future initiatives. They were to review the current urban forest condition, including right -of -way trees, trees in parks and Bunker Hill Golf Course. They were to identify causes of decline of the urban forest. They were to make critical recommendations with respect to best management practices. The study was to include review of the city's Street Tree Policy and suggest revisions as well as recommend future initiatives to improve the urban forest. Confluence completed sampled inventories of street trees throughout the community. Street trees within the sampled plots were inspected and documented by address, tree lawn widths, tree species and condition. Street trees are considered the trees between the sidewalk and curb. A complete inventory of Bunker Hill Golf Course, Flora Park, Washington Park and Allison- Henderson Park was completed. The inventory included tree species, size and condition. Other select parks were given a drive through inspection closely examining only specimens of interest. They included Miller Riverview Campground, Jackson Park, Dodge Street boulevard plantings, A.Y. McDonald Park, McAleece Sports Complex, Eagle Point Park, Ham House and Murphy Park. DISCUSSION continued Dubuque Itittil AR- America City 1 2007 The urban forest of Dubuque touches the sustainability principles of community design, community knowledge, healthy air, clean water and native plants and animals all contributing to economic prosperity, social /cultural vibrancy and environmental integrity. Urban Forest Evaluation page two A large part of the scenic beauty of Dubuque is derived from trees — whether along the bluffs of the Mississippi, tree lined streets or parks throughout the community, the study found that Dubuque's urban forest faces many challenging issues. Only public trees were included in the evaluation that served as the starting point for assessing the current condition of the urban forest and its management. After analysis of the data and observations the consultant identified existing conditions as well as recommendations. The data revealed Dubuque's urban forest (street and park trees) is in fair or better condition; however several issues if unaddressed will lead to sustained decline in the urban forest. continued Existing Conditions 1. Two species, Maple (51%) and Ash (21%) account for 72% of the total street trees. Maple (21 %) and Ash (18 %) account for 39% of park trees. The lack of species diversity leaves the city vulnerable to the threat of disease and pests such as emerald ash borer, which can affect an entire species leaving a large void in the street tree population. One needs to look no further than the devastating effects of Dutch Elm Disease. In 1959, 85% of the street trees in Dubuque were Elms, and by 1969 the disease literally wiped out the entire elm tree population. 2. Dubuque has an abundance of narrow tree lawns. Tree lawns are located in the right -of -way between the sidewalk and the back of curb or roadway. Data samples showed 35% of tree lawns were less than 4 feet wide, 38% were 4 feet wide and 27% were more than 4 feet wide. This results in 73% of tree lawns currently too narrow to provide space for a healthy tree canopy for the duration of its life. This results in poor health of trees as well as additional city resources to maintain and /or remove trees. 3. Most Dubuque street trees are in fair (52 %) to good (36 %) condition. The annual removal and maintenance of street trees continues to rise. Where space is available for street trees in newer neighborhoods, few trees are being planted. 4. A review of current city policies and code showed that Dubuque Tacks the proper tools and policies to address all issues identified. 5. The Forestry section of Leisure Services Department operates in a reactive mode dealing mostly with dead trees, downed branches, storm damage, trimming overgrowth and declining trees. A comprehensive tree management plan is needed to provide guidelines and direction for future management of the urban forest. Note: I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Forestry Division. Steve Pregler, City Forester is well respected throughout the state as a leader in the profession. continued Recommendations Recommended Implementation Strategy Urban Forest Evaluation page three The urban forest is a measurable economic asset with enormous environmental benefits that contribute to Dubuque's sustainability efforts. The improvement of our urban forest is critical. To that end this is a summary of recommendations provided by the consultant. 1. A comprehensive tree management plan should be developed. This plan will address goals for the future of Dubuque's urban forest, implementation strategies and review and monitoring of the progress in the plan. Steps to developing a plan are outlined in the study. 2. Public education and outreach would be a cornerstone of a comprehensive tree plan. Engaging the citizenry in a sustainability initiative related to the urban forest could captivate and engage all ages, many organizations, educational institutions and businesses. 3. Development of a stand -alone tree ordinance and policy would delineate new tree planting and maintenance policies and replace the current policies that are underdeveloped in the Code. The current policy was last updated in 2004. Consolidating all policies into one clear document is necessary to make Dubuque's efforts more effective and efficient. 4. An updated maintenance program should be developed that deals with such topics as annual tree inspections, pruning cycles, and bundling of contractual services on a tree healthcare program. Specifically in the recommendations of the study there are topics that would need much more research and consideration before staff might recommend any actions. For example, modifications to the Uniform Development Code (UDC) regarding inclusion of tree provisions, creating larger tree lawns in specific locations through replacement of on- street parking with curb bumpouts, recommended tree lawn widths in new developments, or new housing development tree reforestation fees such as done currently in Davenport are all topics needing further research. The Study is a fact pool that allows Leisure Services to understand the current status of the urban forest. Our goal will be to move Dubuque's urban forest from its current status of fair or better to good to excellent. This will be achieved with the engagement of our citizens. It is an initiative that can only be achieved in partnership. This is Dubuque's strength. These partnerships will improve our urban forest for current and future generations. Pending Council acceptance of the 2011 Urban Forest Evaluation, Leisure Services staff, specifically Bob Fritsch (Park Division Manager) and Steve Pregler (Forester) will be tasked with developing a process for putting together a draft comprehensive tree management plan and stand -alone tree policy. This plan will include involvement of Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator, Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager, Barry Lindahl, City Attorney and other city staff as necessary. The process will likely include public involvement of current groups such as Dubuque Trees and others that have interest in the urban forest. The education component could be complemented by our partners such as neighborhood groups or the Arboretum. ACTION REQUESTED MLW:et enclosures - 2011 Urban Forest Evaluation Greenprint Initiative Fact Sheet copy Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator Bob Fritsch, Park Division Manager Steve Pregler, City Forester Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Urban Forest Evaluation page four The Park and Recreation Commission at their June meeting reviewed the study and recommends its acceptance to the City Council. I recommend acceptance of the 2011 Urban Forest Evaluation. TREE To IXDAnna Greetings Mayors and City Staff, June 20, 2008 As recipient of the Home Depot's 2008 Excellence for Community Trees award presented at the 76th U.S. Conference of Mayors, we would like to take the opportunity to share some of the successes our Greenprint initiative has achieved through partnerships with the cities and counties in the Sacramento region. We recognize and thank the National Conference of Mayors for providing key leadership for the Climate Protection Agreement, environmental best practices, and energy conservation. Currently, 850 Mayors have signed the Climate Protection Agreement We would like to share with you how urban and community trees can serve as a significant resource towards achieving your climate protec- tion agreement objectives and towards improving the quality of life in your communities. In April 2007, the Sacramento Tree Foundation hosted a workshop which brought together 30 lead- ers representing nonprofits and public agencies from across the country to share the Greenprint Our "Sharing the Greenprint Model" national workshop was supported by the United States Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program on the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council. Following the successful national workshop held in Sacra- mento, we will continue to hold workshops in communities across the country by request. Results of the participant's hard work include: • The Gulf Coast of Mississippi agreed and committed to plant 300,000 trees in response to losses from Hurricane Katrina • Tennessee created new partnerships and workshops for urban forestry • State of Wisconsin produced their first state of the trees report and a • commitment to plant 20 million trees by 2020 • Nevada is now coordinating a state -wide approach to managing their urban forest • Houston has initiated TreePrint to plant trees at goals set by 12 partner jurisdictions in the region I hope you find the resources on this flash drive worthwhile and I encourage you to contact us or visit www.sactree.corn for further information and details about how to define your region and steps to move forward with rewarding regional urban forestry initiatives. I wish you the best of luck in your urban and community tree endeavors. Sincerely, Ray Tretheway Executive Director 191 Lathrop Way Suite D I Sacramento CA, 95815 I (916) 924 - TREE (8733) www.sactree.com PROJECT AT A GLANCE Location Sacramento, California Timeframe 2005 -2008 (ongoing) Lead Partners Sacramento Tree Foundation City of Sacramento Award Category Large City (population >100,000) Total Cost The City provides the Urban Forestry Services Department at least $4 million per year Size and Scope Greenprint initiative Is regional, Involving 22 cities and 4 counties in the Sacramento region. Plans call for doubling the urban tree canopy by planting 5 million new trees by 2025. Outstanding Accomplishments • First initiative in U.S. to organize tree planting on a regional scale • Added 3,000 street trees in under - served neighborhoods In 2007 • Expanded the City's Urban Forestry Services Department to 52 full -time staff • Adopted a "right tree in the right place" doctrine that promotes the use of indigenous tree species • Leading Education and Awareness in urban Forestry (LEAF) program educates stewards and advocates for green infrastructure • Organized national workshop in 2007 on successful urban forestry • NATURE (Native Trees in Urban and Rural Environments) program has planted and cared for over 9,700 native trees • Provides free trees to residents through Sac Shade, a partnership with the Municipal Utility District • Established Greenprint Resource Center to provide education and technical assistance Greenprint Initiative Sacramento Tree Foundation In 2000, the Sacramento Tree Foundation published the "State of the Trees Report" which outlined the ways in which Sacramento's urban forest was in danger and called for the City to set ambitious goals for planting millions of new trees. Over the next several years, the Tree Foundation launched a "What's the Value of a Tree" educational campaign, which communicated the many environmental benefits of tree planting, emphasizing a 270% return on investment in the urban forest. The Foundation's Greenprint initiative was launched in 2005 with the goal of doubling the Sacramento region's urban tree canopy by planting 5 million new trees by 2025. The initiative includes 22 cities and 4 counties representing more than 2 million people around the Sacramento region, and Is singular in its effort to mobilize people on a regional scale. Greenprint guides cities and counties towards urban forestry achievement in three areas: management of public trees, policies and ordinances, and community partnerships. Each of these categories is accompanied by benchmark "growth rings" which lead communities through developing multi- decade tree- planting plans, improving tree ordinances already in place or passing new ones, and developing community partnerships focused on enhancing the urban forest. The program involves creating individualized forest master plans for each participating city and county, conducting a regional tree census, adopting science -based tree policies, and reaping the greatest benefits possible from trees by planting the "right tree in the right place." The Sacramento Tree Foundation estimates that the realization of its ambitious 5- million tree goal would mean a 3- degree drop In the City's average temperature during summer months and an estimated $7 billion in long -term savings on energy, air pollution clean -up, and stormwater management. Greenprint's bridging of grassroots and regional efforts, combined with its step -by -step approach to urban forestry provides a model for other cities and metropolitan areas. Sacramento Greenprint Initiatives 1 Project Description Pre - Existing Conditions The capital of California, Sacramento has a land area of just under 100 square miles and is home to about half a million people. In 2000, the State of the Trees Report by the Tree Foundation found the City's urban forest was declining rapidly. The City's rapid growth has impinged on space for both existing and new trees. Among Sacramento's environmental concerns are the urban heat island effect and air quality. In 2001, an urban heat island study conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that doubling the City's urban forest canopy from 12% to 25% would lower peak summer temperature by 3 degrees and peak ozone by 7 %. Recognizing the multiple environmental, economic, and quality of life benefits provided by its urban forest, as well as the increasing threats from development, the City adopted the Greenprint initiative in 2005, establishing a partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to expand the region's green infrastructure. Project Components Purpose: The concrete goal of the Greenprint initiative is to double the Sacramento region's urban tree canopy. In order to do that, the region needs to plant and maintain 5 million new trees within 20 years. The initiative will train hundreds of citizen leaders in sustainable landscaping and mobilize thousands of neighborhood volunteers in tree planting and stewardship. Process: The Greenprint initiative offers a step -by -step "growth ring" approach for successfully creating and maintaining an urban forest. It includes three essential elements: (1) management of public trees, (2) policies and ordinances, and (3) community partnerships. Each of these categories consists of four growth rings. For instance, for "management of public trees," benchmarks for the growth rings include becoming a Greenprint participant, creating a 5 -year planting plan, creating a 20 -year planting plan, and finally, institutionalizing the effort by establishing an urban forest department with a designated coordinator. This goal - oriented approach recognizes achievement, tracks progress, and ensures the integration of policy and community partnership with the actual planting of trees. The Greenprint Steering Committee, comprising representatives from each participating jurisdiction in the region, meets quarterly to monitor progress and provide direction. Outreach: The Sacramento Tree Foundation recognizes that, since 80% of the urban forest is located on private land, private property owners and volunteers play an essential role in the program's success. The Foundation's outreach campaign strategically combines a consistent region -wide message with community- specific initiatives. It employs a full -time Outreach Services Director and promotes the motto "We live in an urban forest." The Tree Foundation's "What's the Value of a Tree ?" video and brochure, distributed to the public, describes the specific economic and environmental benefits of caring for an urban forest and exemplifies the quality of its outreach efforts. The NeighborWoods program helps neighborhoods develop the organizational capacity, leadership skills, and partnerships with private businesses to plant and maintain public and private trees. Also, In 2007, the Foundation began a Leading Education and Awareness in urban Forestry (LEAF) program, which trains participants to promote the benefits of green infrastructure within their communities. The organization will graduate 150 LEAF stewards by mid -2009. The Foundation also offers workshops on planting, pruning, and caring for trees and organizes group plantings in parks, schools, and neighborhoods nearly every weekend during planting season. PROJECT GOALS • Optimize the benefits of community trees throughout the Sacramento region • Create sustainable urban forests • Create broad appreciation for and participation in urban forests • Double the Sacramento region's urban tree canopy by 2040 from 12% to 25% • Plant 5 million trees by 2025 • Optimize the benefits of trees by planting the "right tree in the right spot" • Establish ordinances and policies for tree protection, development standards, and tree maintenance • Protect native trees, woodlands, and riparian areas • Forge public- private partnerships between businesses and nonprofits to raise awareness of and funding for enhancing urban forestry • Develop community - specific urban forest master plans • Support tree nurseries and other green industries in providing the highest quality plants • Establish a Greenprint Resource Center to provide technical assistance and funding to community urban forestry projects • Train volunteers to teach proper tree planting and care Sacramento Greenprint Initiatives ? Benefits Community and Economic Benefits The successful planting of 5 million new trees in the Sacramento region as called for by the Greenprint initiative would greatly improve the quality of life in the City's neighborhoods. Peak summer temperatures would fall by an average of 3 degrees and energy use could be cut by 30% during summer months. Levels of ozone and particulates would drop, and an estimated 50 tons of nitrogen oxide would be removed from the atmosphere annually. By combining increased tree canopy with other cooling methods such as Tight surfaces and cool roofs, air pollution could be reduced by as much as 50 %. With 5 million new trees, 715,000 tons of carbon would be sequestered every day and reduced pollutants and storm water runoff would Improve water quality. Economic Vitality: Using the U.S. Forest Services' guidelines, the net benefits to the region of planting 5 million trees is estimated at over $7 billion. The increased canopy would result in $50 million annual savings in energy costs, $25 million in air pollution clean -up, and $17.5 million in stormwater management. Shaded neighborhoods and business districts increase home ,sale prices by 1 %, property values by 10 %, and retail sale prices by 11 %. Citizen Engagement: Beginning in 2005 residents and stakeholders were invited to contribute to and review the initial draft of the Greenprint initiative. Dozens of presentations were made throughout the region and hundreds of people participated. The engagement efforts have created a sense of ownership in participating communities. "Tree Hero Awards" recognize citizens who have made notable contributions to urban forestry. Education: The Foundation offers "Tree Tours" through the best- canopied neighborhoods of the City which teach participants the identifiable characteristics of the common tree species in the area. The Foundation offers tree care classes for volunteers as well as a " Seedster" training on tree planting. "Seedster" graduates may go on to "Treester" training, which qualifies volunteers to lead staff at tree planting and tree care events. Funding Funding for the Greenprint initiative comes from a variety of sources. The City of Sacramento provides a funding base for Urban Forestry Services of at least $4 million per year. Partners such as the California Conservation Corps and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District also provide significant resources. A number of other foundations, as well as local, state, and federal agencies support Greenprint projects. The Tree Foundation gets revenue from membership fees, grants, gifts, contributions, events, and other sources. The Foundation is developing partnerships with local businesses and developers to financially support the Greenprint initiative. It is also developing a carbon offset program in which people will be able to invest in local tree planting to offset their carbon emissions. A more intense educational curriculum is the LEAF (Leading Education and Awareness in urban Forestry) program, which involves 30 hours of classroom and hand -on field training in tree biology, arboriculture, and urban ecology. LEAF Stewards go on to lead tree planting and educational initiatives in their communities. For the younger generation, the Acorn Kids Club gives children the chance to participate in tree - planting events, which often involve other engaging activities such as "TREEsure hunts." The Foundation's website also offers extensive education materials, including pruning guidelines and a "Seed to Seedling" classroom curriculum. MEASURABLE BENEFITS Greenprint uses a three- pronged "Growth Ring" approach to measure an agency's progress in the key urban forestry areas it promotes: management of public trees, ordinances and policies, and community partnerships. Energy savings: 5 million trees would save $50 million annually on regional energy costs, with a 30% reduction of energy use during summer months CO2 reductions: 5 million 20- year -old trees would offset 715,000 tons of carbon Air pollution: 5 million trees would remove 50 million pounds of pollutants every year, saving $25 million Stormwater Management: each tree absorbs 350 gallons of stormwater annually; 5 million trees would save $17.5 annually Sacr amento Greenprint Initiative' 3 "The Sacramento Tree Foundation provides many opportunities...that both serve needy communities and make positive impacts on our regional environment. The phenomenal state of our urban forest and its importance to our community is in part a testament to their good work." - Sharon E. Morioka- Estrada, Program Director, AmeriCorps "...the Greenprint initiative represents a model for the nation in regional collaboration, environmental enhancement and land stewardship." - Misha Sarkovich, Program Manager, Sacramento Municipal Utility District Contacts Sacramento Tree Foundation Ray Tretheway Executive Director 19 Lathrop Way, Suite D Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 924 -8733 rayCa�sactree.com City of Sacramento Joe Benassini Urban Forest Manager, City of Sacramento (916) 808-6258 jbenassini (a)cityofsacramento.ora fiO1TA1II- TO ,A1 ➢H TeriD*[aO Looking Ahead Project Monitoring and Evaluation The progress of the Greenprint Initiative is measured by individual city's and county's achievement of the various "growth ring" benchmarks in three categories: management of public trees, policies and ordinances, and community partnerships. Elected officials in each jurisdiction serve on the Greenprint Regional Steering Committee, which meets quarterly to monitor progress and ensure that each jurisdiction is progressing through the growth rings. Project Maintenance Since 80% of the urban forest is located on private land, the responsibility of caring for trees lies largely with private property owners and volunteers. Each Greenprint jurisdiction is responsible for its own urban forest. Sacramento Tree Foundation's NeighborWoods program provides training, educational materials, and logistical support to organize neighborhood tree groups. The Foundation also trains and certifies Young Tree Care Technicians, who are available to assist residents in planting the "right tree in the right spot." It also offers frequent trainings for volunteers to learn proper techniques for tree planting and care. The Foundation trains volunteers to monitor their neighborhood trees for Dutch elm disease and, in partnership with the City of Sacramento, lend pole saws to residents for the eradication of mistletoe. Overall, project maintenance is based on the premise that, through education and training, Sacramento residents will take pride in their urban forest and care for the trees in their community. Challenges Faced As the population of Sacramento grows and larger buildings are constructed both mature and newly planted trees are competing for space. At the same time, while the tree population of the City's urban forest has expanded, agency budgets have recently suffered cuts and not kept pace with the needs. Support for urban forestry planning and a reprioritization of public funds are necessary to protect Sacramento's street and park trees. The Foundation has partially met this challenge through state and local grants and contributions from Greenprint partners. Another pending challenge in the City is the death of thousands of aging sycamores, elms, and oaks, which leaves large gaps in the canopy. The new tree species being planted to replace them will not grow to the same scale. The eradication of mistletoe and Dutch elm disease is also an ongoing battle, Innovation Applied Greenprint Is the first urban forest initiative in the United States to attempt to mobilize people on a regional scale. Although the message and goals of Greenprint are overarching, the program's grassroots model ensures that tree planting and education take place at the local level. The initiative is intentionally community- specific, requiring cities and counties to come up with their own individualized planting plans. The NeighborWoods program and the LEAF stewardship training create a network of capable local advocates to build tree programs in their own neighborhoods. Greenprint's vision, which combines tree planting, local ordinances, and community partnerships, recognizes that a healthy urban forest requires not just trees but also government policies and community groups that support those trees. The Foundation has made their three - pronged, step -by -step model accessible to others by hosting a "Sharing the Greenprint Model" workshop, which attracted representatives from 23 U.S. cities. Sacramento Greenprint Initiatives 4