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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/765222
14 City Trees In Palo Alto, recycled water has been used to counter drought effects while saving more than 125,000 gallons of potable water. Recycled water paired with more than 250,000 gallons of deployed groundwater discharge accounts for 60% of all public tree watering. What are the interesting challenges and plea- sures of urban forestry in your community? WP: Palo Alto has a canopy disparity (about 22% difference) between neighborhoods in the north as compared to the south part of town. The challenge is to motivate private property own- ers to plant and care for more trees in order to provide greater equity. This challenge among many is significant but can be viewed as an opportunity to further educate residents about the unique asset of the urban forest. Palo Alto's overall tree canopy, exceeding 37%, is double many nearby communities, which cor- relates to important quality of life measures. Continued success of the urban forestry program as well as the urban forest itself will rely on diverse cultures and generations embracing the interdependent relationship between trees and people. What gives you extra pride when you think about your city forestry program? WP: Palo Alto has a comprehensive administrative structure, meaning that all urban forestry staff are coordinated across departments and supervised by the urban forester. This optimiz- es the experienced and professional staff in each responsibility and builds flexibility to dedicate time where it is most needed. Department budgets or fees pay for staffing or contract services for public works, planning, development services, utilities, and community services including parks, recreation, and open space. Staff also coordinates with other departments such as fire, police, emergency services, sustainability, and the city attorney. The greatest basis of success is the advocacy and partnership from champions such as those who formed and support the nonprofit group Canopy. For the most part, residents understand that their values need to be preserved, and a good balance has been achieved in three areas: integrated regulations (tree, zoning, muni-ordinances, and general plan); staffing in key areas (opera- tions, land use, and oversight); and priority interface with Canopy (pulse of community sentiment, arborist list resource, etc.) Because the community truly cares about tree canopy, it volun- tarily accepts the fairly administered tree regulations to preserve neighborhood or property character. Palo Alto Urban Forestry is recognized as important by municipal government and constitu- ents, and investments in urban forestry are substantial; thus Palo Alto is an aspirational model for many communities in California.