2008 grant funded planting at Bonney Lake HS / Emerald Hills Elementary, a BBL Event (Traffic Calming Canopy)

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2 History of Program Established program in BLMC 12:24 / Tree City USA 2007 City provided opportunities for staff training in a certification program from Community Forestry Management Institute 2007 (Grant) Arbor Pro tree management software program purchased and the first selective tree inventory conducted by Arbor Pro personnel 2007 City nursery established Street Tree Master Plan completed 2008 grant funded planting at Bonney Lake HS / Emerald Hills Elementary, a BBL Event (Traffic Calming Canopy) 2009 City personnel received Arbor Certification and is currently the City Arborist Canopy Assessment completed by Davey Resource Group Grant funded by U.S Forest Service and DNR 2011 Updated Street Tree Master Plan

3 History of program cont Updated and mapped street tree inventory with the assistance of GIS personnel from Planning and Community Development Department 2012 Forestry intern was hired, from Clover Park Technical College, to assist with extensive repair pruning due to 2012 ice storm event 2013 Street tree planting near BLHS completing Safe Routes to School for traffic calming reforestation projects conducted at site of Fennel Creek Trail 2009 Present City-wide street tree pruning program conducted, with emphasis on pruning of newer trees planted by City contracted projects and WSDOT East Town landscape median project

4 Planning sessions conducted 2007 Created a Community Forestry program steering committee: Public Works, Parks, DNR, Planning, Engineering, City Administrator, Consulting Arborist, Sumner Community Forestry Representative, Sumner Tree Board Representative, Community Services Director, Landscape Architect under contract for master street tree plan 2010 Community Forestry steering committee meeting concerning East Town development: Public Works, Parks, Planning, Engineering, GIS, Assistant to Mayor and City Administrator

5 Street Trees City / Volunteer Projects: BLHS / Emerald Hills Elementary, Hwy 410 and Main St., Veterans Memorial Drive, Main St. - Sky Island Dr. Oversight with Community Development for all new housing developments since 2012 WSDOT East Town median islands (214 th St 234 th St) Number of street trees planted is approximately 279

6 Reforestation Projects Ballfield Four parking area Viking Park Crystal Meadows wetland 2011 Grainger Springs storm pond overlook Allan Yorke Park Trails Fennel Creek Trail Total trees planted and established were 78 (1 caliper or more), 837 seedlings (1 ft)

7 Hazard Tree Risk Management The City s Community Forestry program conducts interdepartmental tree risk assessments Public Works staff or private contractor pruning / removal of risk trees in high target areas : ROW, parks, city facilities buildings / properties (including water and sewer facilities / properties) 2012 partnership with PSE/Asplundh for pruning or removal of trees that pose a risk to property and power grids

8 Community / Public Relations The City s Community Forestry Program has worked with the following groups / organizations: 1. Government agencies / professional organizations: DNR, U.S. Forest Service, City of Sumner, Pierce Co., ISA, Puget Sound Community Foresters, WSU Master Gardeners, WSDOT, Tree City USA 2. Educational Institutions: Sumner School Dist., WSU, Green River Community College, Clover Park Technical College 3. Service groups: BL Lion s Club, BBL, Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce 4. Commercial organizations : D.R. Horton, PSE, Quadrant 5. Neighborhood associations : Sky Island HOA, Brookwater HOA, Crystal Meadows HOA 6. Media outlets: Tacoma News Tribune, Bonney Lake Courier-Herald 7. Events: Beautify Bonney Lake, Arbor Day / Parks Appreciation Day

9 Long term strategy and planning The focus of funding at this time and in the near future should focus on maintenance of existed trees and newly planted trees. Proactively maintaining our canopy establishes: 1. A healthy and vibrant canopy 2. Reduced risk and liability for the city 3. Creating new stakeholders and funding within the community through a well managed existing program model 4. Replacement of trees damaged and reforestation 5. Identify areas for canopy expansion

10 Strategy / Planning Continue reforestation programs in areas that are already protected and/or designated as recreational / open space lands. The benefits of reforestation include: 1. Minimal maintenance / labor expenditures 2. Maximum canopy and environmental cost-benefits (storm water management, water quality, air quality, aesthetics) 3. Maintaining large canopy while minimizing hazard tree risks in low target areas 4. Long term habitat that is imperative for establishing mature forests

11 Strategy and planning Continue to work with Community Development on developer landscape and street tree design over sight Update street tree master plan as necessary Continued maintenance program with ROW trees that are in: 1. High traffic area 2. High pedestrian use 3. Causing possible infrastructure issues 4. Enhancing city facilities Necessary maintenance for large trees that present risk issues as prioritized in ROW and City of Bonney Lake properties Continue to work with volunteer groups with reforestation / educational projects. Find new avenues for media exposure and public relation opportunities

12 Contacts Community Forestry Program Public Works Public Works Operations and Maintenance Charles Simpson Assistant Public Works Director H D Messinger City Arborist Gary Leaf Facilities and Special Projects Manager