Title
Urban Forest Master Plan
Action
Action:
Approve the Environment Committee recommendation to adopt the Urban Forest Master Plan.
Body
Committee Chair:
Patsy Kinsey, Environment Committee
Staff Resource(s):
Mike Davis, Engineering and Property Management
Erin Oliverio, Engineering and Property Management
Tim Porter, Engineering and Property Management
Current Policy
* On June 27, 2011, City Council adopted a "50 percent by 2050" policy to increase tree coverage across the city.
* City Council's Environment Focus Area Plan includes the objective to maintain and protect the City's urban forest.
Proposed Plan
* In 2016, the City of Charlotte and TreesCharlotte worked to identify the greatest challenges facing Charlotte's urban forest and how to reach the City's 50 percent tree canopy goal.
* On April 11, 2016 City Council received a dinner briefing presentation on the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) expected timeline, contracting with a consultant, and details on involving citizens in the planning process.
* The UFMP development involved more than 40 organizations, nearly 3,000 citizens, urban forestry expertise, and national perspective provided by Davey Resource Group.
* The UFMP will serve as guidance for the engagement and action of community leaders, government, residents, and organizations in growing and sustaining our urban forest.
* City staff will follow the UFMP's 10-year achievement timeline with tasks prioritized to work with the community towards the 50 percent tree canopy goal.
* With more than 80 percent of Charlotte's canopy on private property, staff is working closely with residents and stakeholders to form a community canopy team, have a canopy coverage assessment completed, and increase community engagement.
* The UFMP and community involvement will inform policy and budget discussions for 2019 and beyond.
Committee Discussion
* Environment Committee received presentations on the UFMP on March 14 and December 5, 2016, and Apr...
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