Title
Work Session on the Urban Forest Plan and Implementation. (Public Works 26941570)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report summarizes current efforts to update the Urban Forest Plan (UFP) and seeks City Council feedback on the draft UFP vision, goals, and strategies, as well as on the phased implementation of the canopy goals. The UFP will update the City of Alameda's (City) existing 2010 Master Street Tree Plan (MSTP) and expand the scope to include park trees, and trees on private and other non-City of Alameda properties. Thus, Alameda's MSTP will become the Urban Forest Plan.
Staff is seeking City Council direction on three presented scenarios, each of which require different levels of General Fund funding. Concurrently, residents can provide input on the draft UFP at upcoming community workshops. Staff will compile this information and bring the UFP to City Council for final approval this spring along with funding recommendations approval as part of the upcoming biennial budget for Fiscal Years 2025-27, as well as subsequent biennial budgets.
BACKGROUND
In October 2022, City Council approved entering into an agreement with Dudek to prepare a comprehensive citywide UFP. An update and expansion of the 2010 Master Street Tree Plan as an Urban Forest Plan and expanding the urban forest was identified as an action item in the City's Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP) for the purpose of achieving goals related to carbon sequestration. This draft UFP is intended to guide management of the urban forest for the next ten years.
Trees and Environmental Benefits
Trees provide many benefits to Alameda. Trees enhance the mental and physical health of city residents and beautify and define neighborhood characteristics. Trees enhance the environment by removing pollution and cleaning the air. Trees reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality and support wildlife. As te...
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