TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file presentation by Department of Public Works regarding the Urban Forest Master Plan, Goals and Policies Document. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Recent press has highlighted the fact that a healthy urban forest can serve to mitigate poor air quality and enhance the appearance of the urban environment. Faced with budget and staffing constraints, many portions of the City's urban forest are in need of revitalization. In particular, additional street trees would be beneficial and some existing street trees should be replaced as they become unsuitable for their environment or die due to disease or age. Similar conditions exist for trees in the City's open spaces and parks.
In order to better understand the scope of our needs and to provide a roadmap for addressing these needs, City staff entered into a contract with Melendrez and Associates and embarked on a phased master plan for the City's urban forest. The first phase of this process is the establishment of goals and policies related to the tree environment in our City. Funded jointly by the Community Development Department, the Public Works Department and the Port of Long Beach, the scope of work included:
· Reviewing existing City tree policies and procedures
· Meeting with City staff
· Conducting workshops with the City's Tree Committee, Parks and Recreation
Commission and Port staff
· Drafting goals and policies
· Presenting these drafts for comment to the City's Tree Committee, Parks and
Recreation Commission and Port staff
· Creating a document for Council approval
A copy of the Urban Forest Master Plan, Goals and Policies document is attached. A presentation outlining the process that led to this document as well as an explanation of the recommended goals and policies will be presented to Council for their review and consideration.
The next phase of the Urban Forest Master Plan effort will involve a detailed assessment of the City's current tree ass...
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