2004-01-12 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting

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encouraged. Boards function best if not composed entirely of tree-related professionals such as forestry professors, nursery operators, arborists, etc. Citizens add fresh ideas and different perspectives with an interest in trees that is entirely avocational. Limited, staggered terms of service will prevent stagnation or burnout, while at the same time assuring continuity. o A Tree Care Ordinance. The tree ordinance must designate the establishment of-a tree board or forestry department and give this body the responsibility for writing and implementing an annual community forestry work plan. Beyond that, the ordinance should be flexible enough to fit the needs and circumstances of the particular community. A tree ordinance provides an opportunity do set good policy and back it with the force of law when neossary. Ideally, it will provide clear guidance for planting, maintaining and removing trees from sheets, parks and other public places. o A Foresby Program with an annua/ budget ofat /east $2,raer capita. Evidence is required that the community has established a cemmunity forestry program that is supported by an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. At first, this may seem like an impossible barrier do some communities. However, a little investigation usually reveals that more than this amount is already being spent by the municipality on its trees. If not, this may signal serious neglect that will cost far more in the long run. In such a case, working toward Tree City U.S.A. recognition can be used to re- examine the community's budget priorities and re-din~,t funds to properly care for its tree resource before it is too late. ideally, this standard will be met by focusing funding on an annual work plan developed after an inventory is completed and a report is approved by the city council. Such a plan will address species diversity, planting needs, hazardous trees, insect and disease problems and a pattern of regular care such as pruning and watering. o An Arbor Dray Observance and Pradamation. This is the least challenging and probably the most enjoyable standard to accomplish. An Arbor Day celebration can be simple and brief or an all-day or all-week observation. It can be a simple tree planting event or an award ceremony that honors leading tree planters. For children, Arbor Day may be their only exposure to the green world or a springboard to discussions about the complex issue of environmental quality. The benefits of Arbor Day go far beyond the shade and beauty of new trees for the next generation. Arbor Day is a golden opportunity for publicity and to educate homeowners about proper tree care. Utility companies can join in to promote planting small trees beneath power lines or being careful when digging. Smokey Bear's fire prevention messages can be worked into the event, as can conservation education about soil erosion or the need bo protect wildlife habitat. The process of becoming a Tree City, U.S.A., should Council choose to pursue this endeavor, will take about a year. i. The first step would be to establish either a Tree Board or a separate Forestry Department. Since our city is too small to have a dedicated forestry department or a professional forester, we could incorporate a "Forestry Division" into the Parks & Recreation Departrnent, and move the tree expenditures we already make, into that Division. Or, as an alternative, the city could establish a Tree Board. As discussed earlier a Tree Board, made up of citizens appointed by Council, staff and possibly even Council members, can write and implement an annual community Forestry Work Plan for the Gty. Another option is to do both; add a division and create a Tree Board. 2. This Forestry Work Plan can then be the guide for development of a comprehensive Tree Ordinance that will guide the~City's efforts in tree preservation, planting, beautification efforts, education, and other beneficial uses of trees for La Porte. Using the input of local citizens, our community can select provisions and develop language that will yield an ordinance that is uniquely suited to our needs and desires.