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