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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-18; Parks & Recreation Commission; 405-4; Response to Inquiry Keeping Trees Healthy~ MTG. DATE: I 4/18/05 STAFF: I LANCASTER ITEM EXPLANATION: During the March 21, 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Commissioner Hubbard presented information relating to tree issues (EXHIBIT 1). It was the consensus of the Commission to place this informationhequest on the agenda to be discussed at the April meeting. INFO TITLE: RESPONSE TO COMMISSIONER’S INQUIRY - “KEEPING TREES HEALTHY” ACTION In preparation of discussion on this issue, staff has prepared an informational report, which is attached as EXHIBIT 2. The report addresses several of the issues outlined in Commissioner Hubbard’s inquiry and staff will present that information so that the Commission may have a more informed discussion. EXHIBITS: 1. “Keeping Healthy Trees” - February 7, 2005 2. Response to Commissioner request - April 12,2005 ” j. 5 Marlaine Hubbard Keeping trees healthy 2/7/05 While reading the following article about Fallbrook I was inspired to hear a group had planted more than 4000 trees since 1979. Additionally, more than 50 per cent of trees are lost by lack of maintenance. I’ve observed this in Carlsbad along La Costa Blvd, behind Car Country, and in the La Costa Canyon Park. As we approach the maintenance phase for the City of Carlsbad we should consider coordinating our tree maintenance with other interested groups, Le. Land Conservancy? Volunteers-extension of trails? Form our own “Save our Forest” group? Would it make sense for our community volunteer coordinator to look into what groups exist and how we might better integrate their services? Do we have a blueprintlmaster plan of what we want the city to look like regarding trees at build out? Since we do have an inventory and maintenance schedule, what can we do to encourage community stewardship and enhancement to fulfill our long term vision? EXHIBIT 1 A R April 12,2005 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Parks Superintendent, Lancaster RE: RESPONSE TO COMMISSIONER’S INQUIRY ‘KEEPING TREES HEALTHY’ General Guidelines The selection, installation, and care of trees within the City of Carlsbad are governed by three documents: The Landscape Manual, the Revised Council Policy Statement on Street Trees, and the Community Forest Management Plan. The Landscape Manual, adopted in November 1990, is the guide for tree selection and installation within new private developments, public parkshecreational facilities, maintenance districts, and street medians throughout the City. It identifies the City’s policies for tree (as well as other plant and irrigation material) selection and placement. It is a comprehensive landscape document, applicable to all private and public developments requiring discretionary permits or plan approvals. The revised Council Policy Statement on Street Trees and the subsequent Community Forest Management Plan, adopted in June 2000 and June 2002, respectively, are designed to conserve and enhance the City’s tree population - particularly the segment planted within the public right of ways of the Street Tree Assessment District. These documents present a vision for managing a safe and healthy community of street trees. They also prescribe a protocol for removing street trees when needed, and plantingheplacing street trees from an approved species list. In addition, the Community Forest Management Plan separately addresses the Hosp Grove Open Space area through special techniques that are more often utilized in timberland forestry than urban forestry. Community Education and Involvement The Community Forest Management Plan emphasizes the need for public education of tree care principles and practices. The goal is to foster a healthy, safe, and valuable community of trees through an overall increase in tree care knowledge, understanding and support. The City’s Trees, Medians, and Trails division is involved in direct public education on a daily basis. This form of knowledge transference is conducted every time staff discusses tree care issues with members of the public. Staff also shares information via the distribution of tree care literature (handouts, pamphlets, etc.). In addition, supervisory staff are also periodically in contact with neighborhood or homeowners groups, and school or service clubs regarding tree care issues and volunteerism. EXHIBIT 2 1 The City has previously utilized, and will continue to utilize, the services of volunteers for selected tree planting/reforestation efforts. A committee of local residents was, in fact, utilized in the development of recommendations for the Street Tree Policy and subsequent Community Forest Management Plan. Other groups have assisted in the planting of various sections of streetscape, and portions of the Hosp Grove Open Space area. The Trees, Medians and Trails division is also involved with indirect public education of tree care through Citizens Academies, Public Works Fairs, Arbor Day Exhibits/Demonstrations, and other special events. Each year, the City grants residents hundreds of potted trees, or vouchers toward the purchase of trees, in celebration of Arbor Day/Month. Typically, press releases are issued, and newsletter articles are submitted for these significant occurrences. Staff also proudly acknowledges that Carlsbad is a three-time recipient of the Tree City U.S.A. Award for maintaining an urban forestry program that is based on industry-accepted standards. Tree Plantinns and Mortality It is estimated that City staff has been either directly, or indirectly, responsible for the planting of over 10,000 trees throughout Carlsbad in the past 25 years. Despite good intentions and efforts, the City has periodically experienced the premature mortality of certain trees, within specific areas. These areas include: The north side of La Costa Avenue (between the 1-5 Freeway and El Camino Real), 0 The upper level of La Costa Canyon Park (adjacent to the decomposed granite hiking trail), The Cal Trans slope south of Palomar Airport Road (between the 1-5 Freeway and the Car Country Dealerships fronting Paseo Del Norte), and The College Boulevard medians (between Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real). Each of these sites has recently been reviewed and evaluated. In the case of the latter three sites, irrigation modifications will be made, and a corresponding number of applicable species trees will be planted. As for the former site, state and federal agency provisions prevent the planting of trees along this area due to issues involving the adjacent lagoon habitat. Even after taking the above premature mortality into account, it is estimated that over ninety percent of all trees planted as a result of City staff involvementloversight, during this 25-year span, have survived and will reach full maturity. Conclusion In conclusion, the Trees, Medians, and Trails division intends to continue following the established guidelines for the selection, installation, and care of trees under its jurisdiction. Staff will also continue with community education and involvement efforts designed to enhance the public’s knowledge of urban tree care. Finally, staff will 2 I 8 attempt to minimize premature mortality of trees through the means of sufficient irrigation systems and appropriate species selection. As is normally the case, the above actions will be performed as the respective budgets allow. Budgeting for tree care within public parks and around public facilities is accomplished through the City’s General Fund. Therefore, funding for tree installations and ongoing maintenance within parks and at City facilities is subject to competitive allocation against a wide variety of other City services funded through the General Fund. As such, there is a finite amount that the staff must, and will continue to work within each year to implement existing City Council policies. The care for street and median trees is accomplished though assessment district funding. Although the funding for street trees and median landscape/hardscape installation and maintenance is not competitive as such, there is still a finite amount of funding available through the assessment district that staff must work within. Both the Street Tree and the Median Assessment District budgets are currently being studied by the Finance Department to determine long-term funding options for services that are rendered to the residents. Staff will continue to assist the Finance Department in identifying the needs for tree installationkare and community education within the City of Carlsbad, as warranted. 3