Video Archive: Arbor Day 2009 - Tree Planting Event
The City of Charlottesville has made strong commitments to natural resource management through its adoption of the 1998 Sustainability accords, the 2001 Comprehensive Plan, the 2003 Environmental Sustainability Policy, the pursuit of a citywide Environmental Management System, and most recently, the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which specifically identifies the maintenance of healthy urban forests as an effective supporting action.
In response to various recent requests pertaining to the protection and management of urban trees and the urban tree canopy; representatives from the Parks and Recreation Department, the Department of Neighborhood Development Services, and the Environmental Office in Public Works have been developing strategies that will place the City in a proactive management position regarding the protection of our natural resources.
An Urban Forest Management Plan has been developed that supports the City’s historical commitments, is strategic in structure and will enable Charlottesville to be proactive in the stewardship of our natural resources, both public and private. The City's overall Tree Canopy Map which shows the city has a 47% overall tree canopy was developed as part of this study. City Council heard a presentation on the plan on June 15
The City has also undertaken an Urban Forest Assessment of trees on public lands including parks, schools, cemeteries, city buildings, and street medians. The assessment helps identify the age, diversity, condition, and maintenance needs of the city's trees and forested lands.
An Invasive Plant Species Assessment of public lands was conducted to determine the extent, type, and management options for exotic trees, vines, and other plants that threaten our urban forests and landscapes. Invasive plant species management techniques for various invasive species are included in the report. For example, to remove vines from a tree, cut the vine both at shoulder height and at the ground to create a large gap that will help prevent the vine from re-climbing into the tree canopy.
The following critical steps will be taken to effectively proceed with this effort:
1. Establish a common definition of "Urban Tree Canopy" and determine the purposes and values of an urban tree canopy (including but not limited to storm water, air quality, carbon sequestration, and aesthetics). This definition will be defendable within the arboreal industry.
2. Prioritize the identified values of the urban tree canopy for Charlottesville. This prioritization will influence protection and management strategies.
3. Identify urban tree cover percentages that are considered “unhealthy, good, and above average” by forestry, environmental, and planning professionals. These distinctions will allow the City’s status can be gauged and management actions defined.
4. Determine and analyze the existing tree canopy for the City of Charlottesville. This will include baseline measurements, and further specificity that will define:
· Ownership - public versus private (to determine what strategies will be most effective)
· On public lands: street trees versus parks/school properties
· Tree cover by drainage basins (e.g., Moore’s creek drainage basin)
· Unique, specimen and champion trees (based on defined criteria)
5. Review existing data and recommendations from various historic sources.
6. Evaluate historic tree canopy decline, identify causes and appropriate actions.
7. Define strategy (actions and policies) to preserve, manage, and enhance tree canopy into the future. In addition to new strategy items, this will incorporate existing efforts, including:
· Invasive species assessment and management/control
· Stream buffer protection and management
· Pursue recurring annual funding through the CIP for proactive tree management, new plantings, and tree replacement.
· Include tree and tree canopy review as part of the Site Plan review process.
8. Review City codes for existing language and identify appropriate Code modifications.
9. Monitor strategy results and make necessary adjustments
A graduate planning class at the Institute for Environmental Negotiation at the University of Virginia performed an analysis of the City tree canopy in 2006. This collaboration provided the initial baseline data and methodology that assisted the City’s efforts to implement these strategies. The baseline data will also be used for future tracking and benchmarking purposes.
In addition to these strategies, the City became a Tree City USA on Arbor Day 2007 (April 27). The National Arbor Day Foundation recognized the City meets the requirements for this designation. The Tree City USA may provide opportunities for outside funding opportunities in the future.
This effort is designed to place the City in a position to manage its forests and trees in a sustainable and renewable manner, and provide for a codified program that meets the needs and values of our community.