Annual Community Forestry Plan 2013.docx

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY FORESTRY PLAN UNIVERSITY CITY, MO. 2013 INTRODUCTION: The community forest is an important resource that contributes to the quality of life for the residents of University City. This community forest resource works to improve air and water quality, reduce energy costs, increase property values and beautify the city. University City is home to over 30,000 public trees approximately 12,000 of which are street trees the remaining are park and woodland trees. Our current forest resources were planted by previous residents and must be maintained and improved by current residents for the future. Vision: To sustain a healthy, safe and appealing public street and park tree population in the city of University City, MO. Goal: To efficiently oversee the urban and community forest of University City in an effective manner through sound management, utilizing in-house and contracted services and building a team of effective proponents for the trees in the community. OVERVIEW: The forestry division is a part of the Public Works and Parks Department. The division is made up of four personnel; the city forester, a crew leader/ tree trimmer and two tree trimmers. The city forester reports directly to the Public Works and Parks Maintenance Superintendent. In November of 2006 the municipal code was amended to establish new regulations on trees and shrubs. Assisting the city forester in the enforcement of this tree ordinance is a seven person Urban Forestry Commission. THE TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: REVIEW: University City’s fiscal year runs from July to July: There were no major storms during the 2012 year, implementation of the Best Management Practices plan continues, block street pruning has advanced from McKnight on the western boundary, to Kingsland on the eastern boundary. The division partnered with other municipalities on a T.R.I.M. grant to inventory public trees in St. Louis County. REMOVALS: University City’s community forest is a diverse population of old growth and younger trees. Consequently some have died due to old age or construction damage; these trees must be removed for safety and liability issues. During the fiscal year of 2012, 251 trees were removed; a decrease of 42 trees over fiscal year 2011. All removals were completed in house by the forestry crew. PRUNING: Pruning is the most important tool in the management plan; proper pruning can greatly extend the health, safety and life of trees. 1667 trees were pruned in fiscal year 2012; this represents an increase of 14 trees from fiscal year 2011. Of the 1667 trees pruned, 565 were by subcontractor at a cost of $68.11 per tree.