Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution accepts the final report and recommendations from the Urban Forestry Task Force. The report includes 46 recommendations for future action. Accepting the report does not have an immediate fiscal impact but implementing the recommendations may result in the need for increased funding in the future.
Title
SECOND SUBSTITUTE - Accepting the final report and recommendations from the Urban Forestry Task Force.
Body
WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Task Force was created by the City of Madison Common Council at their August 1, 2017 meeting and charged with the following objectives:
· Review available research and best practices on promoting a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable urban forest.
· Review City policies, practices, programs, and operations that impact the urban forest (e.g. Zoning Code, Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Plan).
· Solicit input from local stakeholders with additional information on the issue as needed (e.g. WI DNR).
· Develop recommendations to the Mayor, Common Council, Committees or Commissions, and/or City agencies on the establishment of a Canopy Coverage Goal and action plan for the city covering both public and private trees.
· Develop recommendations to the Mayor, Common Council, Committees or Commissions, and/or City agencies to preserve and expand our urban forest resources through a well-planned and systematic approach to tree management.
· Develop recommendations to encourage private landowners to protect, preserve and promote a diverse and sustainable urban forest; and,
WHEREAS, the Task Force included:
· Chair: Jeremy Kane, Associate Director of Urban Tree Alliance, Resident
· Vice Chair: Jackie Suska, Resident
· Former Alderperson David Ahrens, Common Council, District 15 (January 2018 - April 2019)
· Alderperson Sheri Carter, Former Common Council Vice President, District 14
· Lisa Coleman, City Engineering Division (January 2018 - July 2018)
· Marla Eddy, City Forester
· Alderperson Keith Furman, Co...
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