TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, City Manager
FROM: Brian D. Martin, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
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Salem 2023 Annual Tree Report.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Natural Environment Stewardship; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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SUMMARY:
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The 2023 Annual Tree Report highlights the City’s work and accomplishments related to the care and protection of our community’s forest during the 2023 calendar year.
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ISSUE:
Informational report to update the City Council on tree-related work conducted during calendar year 2023.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Information only.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Planning for, protecting, growing, and tracking our urban forest is no easy task. It takes staff with technical expertise, skills, and specialized equipment, as well as a range of consultants, contractors, and volunteers to accomplish our community forestry goals. Working together, we not only care for and protect our city-owned trees and expand our tree canopy, but we also help Salem’s residents plant and care for their own trees for the benefit of the entire community.
The $1 Million USDA Forest Service grant awarded to the City in 2023 is a great example of these coordinated efforts. Beginning in 2024, these grant funds will be focused toward enhancing tree canopy in Salem’s disadvantaged communities through a combination of education (school curriculum), workforce development (high school and young adult internship and apprenticeship opportunities), and tree planting with school groups on and near their school properties.
The Annual Tree Report (Attachment 1) is provided in a revised format for 2023. It highlights accomplishments over the past year. The report is divided into four main sections:
• Inform, which highlights work conducted to assess, plan, inventory, and otherwise share our understanding of the community forest;
• Inspire, focusing on working with the community through outreach, education, and volunteer events;
• Grow, which summarizes tree planting efforts across multiple City departments and work groups; and
• Care, focusing primarily on the work of the Urban Forestry Division to ensure our City-owned trees remain healthy and protected.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Salem Community Forestry Strategic Plan was adopted by City Council in August 2013. The plan acknowledges the benefits of trees, establishes six goals, and defines specific actions, priorities, and partnerships needed to achieve those goals. The six goals of the Community Forestry Strategic Plan are:
1) Protect, increase, and enhance Salem’s tree canopy.
2) Increase education and outreach about tree benefits, the community forestry program, tree regulations, and incentives.
3) Develop support at political, management and public levels.
4) Improve City coordination, communication, and codes related to trees.
5) Develop and implement a Community Forestry Management Plan.
6) Establish stable funding for the Community Forestry Program.
In 2019, after attaining our previous 23% tree canopy goal, the City set a new goal of attaining 28% tree canopy cover by 2030. The information provided in the attached report documents our work to meet the goals of the Community Forestry Strategic Plan.
In early 2023, the Public Works Department was responsible for implementation of Salem Revised Code Chapter 86 (the City Tree Code); tree canopy planning and assessments; and protection and enhancement of tree canopy associated with Salem’s streams and stormwater infrastructure. Public Works staff supporting the City’s Community Forestry Strategic Plan were in multiple work groups in the department, including Parks & Natural Resources Planning, Urban Forestry, Stormwater Quality, Development Services, Code Enforcement, and Technical Services. In mid-2023, the Urban Forestry Division and Parks Planning were moved from the Public Works Department to Community Services Department and Development Services was moved from Public Works to the Community Planning and Development Department. Other work groups remained in the Public Works Department and continue to work with staff in the other departments toward meeting the goals of the Community Forestry Strategic Plan, Salem Climate Action Plan, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Robert D. Chandler, PhD, PE
Assistant Public Works Director
Attachments:
1. 2023 Annual Tree Report