YOUTH COMMISSION AGENDA PACKET 02142024

YOUTH COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT February 14, 2024 Item 3 TITLE: REVIEW THE URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN PROCESS AND OUTREACH RESULTS AND PROVIDE STAFF WITH COMMENTS SUMMARY City Council prioritized the preparation of the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and approved the project, CIP No. 22773, as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021/22 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. The UFMP was recommended to provide a management plan for the urban forest for the next 25 years, update the city tree inventory, obtain public input, address the Climate Action Plan 2.0 goals, and amend the tree preservation chapter of the municipal code. City staff and its consultant, Dudek, have completed the first round of public outreach for the UFMP, including a survey with over 600 respondents. The survey results highlighted resident support of the urban forest, concerns, and priorities, but the youth and young adults were underrepresented in the survey, so staff prepared a second survey. The new survey targets youth and young adults and is currently open. The City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance is scheduled for City Council in March. Staff is requesting the commission provide input on the UFMP and public outreach process and participate by taking and encouraging other youth to take, the second survey, which is expected to be open through mid-March. Surveys will be used to guide the recommendations in the UFMP and help guide the health of the urban forest for future generations. RECOMMENDATION Review the Urban Forest Master Plan process and outreach results and provide staff with comments. BACKGROUND In the early 1970s, the City recognized the importance of its urban forest, and the City Council adopted Ordinance 640 to preserve trees on September 20, 1971. The City Council has modified the Tree Preservation Ordinance (Ordinance) over time, mostly in response to land development and issues with enforcement of the Ordinance.