Title
Resolution to Adopt the City of Ann Arbor Urban and Community Forest Management Plan
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution to adopt the City's first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. The plan is a culmination of a multi-year public planning process that engaged the community and stakeholders. The Park Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission have passed resolutions in support of the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan on April 15, 2014 and April 24, 2014, respectively.
The final draft of the plan is attached and it can also be viewed on the city website at:
Adoption of the plan does not commit City resources. Adoption of the plan would provide policy direction and guidance to staff for future implementation recommendations to City Council. The City Administrator's FY 2015 Recommended Budget anticipated favorable consideration of the final draft.
Ann Arbor's urban and community forest is made up of the trees, shrubs and woody vegetation growing along city streets, in city parks, and on institutional and private property. It is a defining and valued characteristic of the City that residents affectionately call "Tree Town," helping to make it a desirable place to live, work and play.
The City of Ann Arbor has approximately 6,900 trees in mowed areas of city parks and over 41,000 trees growing along city streets. These publicly-managed trees provide over $4.6 million in benefits to the community each year, including reducing stormwater run-off, improving air and water quality, and beautifying the city. The City has a long history of care and management of the urban and community forest. However, serious challenges over the last decade, like the emerald ash borer, have impacted the City's ability to sustainably care for and manage the...
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