City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/115252
Flavio (center) with Dr. Greg McPherson and Paula Peper at the USFS Western Center for Urban Forest Research in the City of Davis, California. defend his decision to remove a flowering pear tree (Pyrus calleryana) against an appeal filed by a citizen against the tree removal. The tree had sustained several branch failures, a common problem with this species, and was located over a sidewalk and a preschool play yard. Joe explained the problems associated with the species, the history of the tree, and why it posed a risk. The appellant based his appeal on the perception that it was a healthy tree and that the removal was unnecessary and only in response to a request by owner of the school. It was interesting to watch the process of the appeal, to see the commission at work, and to listen to the various positions of the audience. Ultimately the commission voted unanimously to deny the appeal and support the decision to remove the tree. ef Day five marked a change to our routine as we drove to San Francisco, to attend a Landscape Supervisors Forum. The meeting was held at Presidio Park, previously a military facility near the Golden Gate Bridge. There we met Larry Costello, a retired University of California Cooperative Extension Agent and a well-known researcher and author. I was given the opportunity to give a presentation on the greening efforts in Rio de Janeiro and how our work is progressing in preparation for the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games. At the conclusion of the meeting, the group assembled for a short drive to view an interesting sculpture in the park. The "Spire" is constructed of the trunks of Monterey Cypress trees (Cupressus macrocarpa) that have been removed from the Presidio forest. The logs are bolted together, sunk into a foundation and rise www.urban-forestry.com Sacramento forestry crews doing pruning work over 100 feet (30.5 m) like a church spire, intended by the artist to demonstrate growth and determination. The views of the San Francisco Bay from this point were impressive, and from within the quiet forest here one could barely tell that this was a park in the middle of a world-class city. Larry took the afternoon to show me around more of the gem that is the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, including the park's nursery, the Japanese Gardens, and the Conservatory of Flowers. ef On the final day of my trip, I walked through many of Sacramento's neighborhoods, reflecting on my experience and the ways in which our urban forestry programs grapple with the same problems and enjoy many of the same successes. I am honored by the recognition of the City Council of Sacramento. My conversations and interaction with other professionals and researchers were enriching, educational, and inspiring. I am indebted to all of the wonderful people I had the pleasure of meeting. I am appreciative of the support of my staff, my family, and especially Pedro Mendes de Castro, former president of SBAU, the ISA affiliate in Brazil. I am particularly grateful to the Society of Municipal Arborists and the Exchange Program sponsors. It was a privilege to be selected and I encourage others to participate in this very enriching experience. 37