Annual Community Forestry Plan 2012.docx

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY FORESTRY PLAN UNIVERSITY CITY, MO. 2012 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 effectively manage 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: This year the forestry division has been incorporated into the new 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. A ground man position to be shared for 6 months of the year with Public Works and Parks Department was added in the fall of 2010. 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 new 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 2011 year, implementation of the Best Management Practices plan continues, block street pruning has advanced from McKnight on the western boundary, to Ferguson on the eastern boundary. Unfortunately the department was unable to obtain a T.R.I.M. grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation. An inventory of the Parkview Gardens area was conducted by the city forester and 392 trees were added to the data base. Presently the street tree inventory extends from McKnight on the western boundary, city limits on the north boundary, Olive Blvd on the southern boundary and North and South Rd on the eastern boundary. 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 2011, 293 trees were removed; a decrease of 124 trees over fiscal year 2010. All removals were completed in house by the forestry crew.