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p BAC KG IOU N D With the adoption of its Heritage Tree Ordinance in 1971, the City of Pleasanton has long-since recognized its urban forest as an important component of the identity, quality of life, and culture of the City and for its residents In addition to protecting trees on private property, the City owns and maintains more than 25,000 trees on public property An annual maintenance budget of approximately $400,000 is allocated to care for these trees DISCUSSION Tree City USA is a nationwide program administered by Arbor Day Foundation and in cooperation with the US Forest Service which recognizes cities who are committed to their urban forest The program began in 1976, and today more than 3,400 communities have achieved Tree City USA status Locally, the cities of Dublin and Livermore have obtained the Tree City USA designation As a member of Tree City USA, Pleasanton will be formally recognized for its commitment to our urban forest In order to become a Tree City USA, four principles must be met 1) to have a tree board or department 2) to have a tree care ordinance 3) to have a community forestry program which spends a minimum of $2 per capita 4) to pass and recite an official Arbor Day Proclamation Pleasanton has met the first three principles By completing the fourth — to pass and recite an official Arbor Day Proclamation — Pleasanton will be eligible to apply to become a Tree City USA There are many benefits to becoming a Tree City USA, including formal recognition of a commitment to reduced energy costs, erosion control, and stormwater management Tree City USA signs at community entrances let visitors know that Pleasanton cares about its environment and create a sense of pride for residents In addition, the Tree City USA designation places the City in a better position to obtain grant money for trees and forestry programs The Arbor Day Foundation has allocated $13,500,000 to urban forestry programs for California communities in the year 2017 Submitted by Fisc I Review Approved by Stephen patnck Tina Olson N-Ison Fialho Director of Engineering Director of Finance City Manager Page 2 of 2