Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution establishes an Urban Forestry Taskforce. No expenditure is required at this time. Forestry staff will be primarily responsible for staffing the task force with existing resources. Strategies and recommendations may eventually have capital and operating impact on various departments, subject to future Common Council approval.
Title
Establishing an Urban Forestry Taskforce to make recommendations to the Mayor and the Common Council regarding the promotion of a vibrant, healthy and sustainable urban forest and tree canopy.
Body
Whereas, a healthy, dense and varied population of canopy trees provides many important benefits for our city. Their shade mitigates urban heat and cools buildings, reduces energy use and stores large amounts of carbon. They reduce stormwater run-off, improve air quality and abate urban noise. Trees improve the streetscape and increase property values. Studies have shown that canopy trees reduce stress levels, slow traffic, and create outdoor environments which encourage people to get outdoors, walk and bike and stay more active - all of which encourage better health. These benefits must be considered in calculating the costs of preserving and maintaining our urban forest.
Whereas, Madison’s Sustainability Plan, adopted in 2012, calls for the City to:
“Minimize loss of tree cover and green space in public rights of way;
Promote, expand and replace tree canopy trees whenever possible and encourage landowner collaboration on strenghtening tree canopy and woodlands;
Create a policy to facilitate underground placement of power lines and overhead wires.”
Whereas, a 35-inch Ash tree provides overall benefits of: $191 every year. It can intercept 3,764 gallons of storm water runoff this year. It can conserve 321 Kilowatt hours of electricity for cooling and reduce consumption of oil or natural gas by 47 therm(s).
Whereas, the Forestry Section of the Parks Division provides tree planting, pruning ...
Click here for full text