DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing on the FY 2019 Tree Programs
SUMMARY:
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the administration of city-wide Tree Programs supported by the Tree Mitigation and Tree Canopy Funds for the purposes of maintaining and improving San Antonio's urban forest and tree canopy.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Urban forest and tree canopy is critical to any major metropolitan area. Trees help clean the air; reduce impact storm water runoff; provide shade to address urban heat island effects; offer food & habitat to birds and other wildlife; and provide an enhanced quality of life. Additionally, trees can help increase property values and offer a connection to nature in an urban environment. In recognition of these important benefits, the San Antonio City Council adopted the City's Tree Preservation Ordinance in 1997.
In order to maintain and enhance San Antonio's urban forest and tree canopy, the Parks and Recreation Department utilizes proceeds in the Tree Mitigation and Tree Canopy Funds to develop city-wide efforts around trees. Annually, the Parks and Recreation Department dedicates funding and staff resources to a multitude of tree investment strategies including reforestation of City parks and City owned properties; tree adoptions; Oak Wilt education and outreach; partnership with CPS Energy through the Green Shade Program; collaboration with local colleges and universities to increase tree canopy; and leveraging existing programs such as the Under One Roof initiative to extend community impact. Other strategies include an equity based approach to plant trees on private residences through the Neighborhood Tree Program. These Tree Programs were endorsed by the Parks Board and were presented by the department as part of the adopted FY 2019 Budget.
ISSUE:
The briefing will outline the adopted Fiscal Year 2019 Tree ...
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