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Agenda Item: 6F. |
Prepared By: Jim Kornas |
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Business: Tree City USA |
Department: Executive Office |
Subject:
Title
Tree City USA Update (F. Winter)
Body
BACKGROUND:
At the Committee’s June 5 meeting, Member Fiona Winter shared insights from her investigation into the "Tree City USA" program, and noted that the program requires: 1) that the applying City have a "Tree Board or Department" (i.e. the Beautification Advisory Committee of Marco Island); 2) that a community tree ordinance be in effect; 3) that the City spend at least $2.00 per capita annually on urban forestry and; 4) that the City celebrate Arbor Day annually.
Committee Chair Connelly shared the results of her outreach with a representative of The Arbor Day Foundation, and she learned that the City of Marco Island had, inadvertently, failed to apply in time for its 2022 & 2023 "Tree City USA" designations. No path exists for the City to apply retroactively for those years. Chair Connelly did, however, receive assurance from the Arbor Day Foundation representative that, if the City will submit its 2024 application on time, it could claim its 15th year designation as a “Tree City USA” city.
Member Winter volunteered to further investigate the specifics regarding the "Tree City USA's" requirements with the Arbor Day Foundation representative that Chair Connelly had contacted.
Ms. Winter will provide an update to the Committee on the results of her investigation.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT: N / A
RECOMMENDATION: Receive Member Winter’s report.
POTENTIAL MOTION: None expected.