Sacramento Urban Forest Plan

Erik Jun 25 2024 at 1:51PM on page 43

Question

What are the penalties to landowners for failure to adhere to these requirements. Are the requirements being enforced? Do they need to be strengthened?

Erik Jun 25 2024 at 1:26PM on page 30

Suggestion

Explain the relation of Sacramento's Mediterranean climate to its urban tree canopy.

Erik Jun 25 2024 at 1:23PM on page 30

Suggestion

Define 'endemic' here for your readers.

Erik Jun 25 2024 at 1:19PM on page 28

Suggestion

This is a really long sentence. Consider revising / breaking up to better communicate the point.

Erik Jun 25 2024 at 1:12PM on page 28

Suggestion

I'd love to see the city get rid of the Land Park Golf Course and replace the fairways with a dense urban forest

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 12:43PM on page 21

Suggestion

This could be partially addressed through education. Providing easy-to-follow literature and diagrams to homeowners via mailers that describe proper pruning techniques, as well as some of the benefits of a healthy urban tree canopy, including increased property values.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 12:40PM on page 20

Suggestion

What about imposing some type of urban tree canopy development impact fee to provide the necessary funding?

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 12:34PM on page 20

Flag

Do you not mean "decreasing"?

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 12:26PM on page 19

Suggestion

If it doesn't do so already, the city code should be amended to require that, prior to the closing of any real estate transaction: 1) real estate brokers must provide copies and/or written summaries of theses ordinances to buyers and 2) buyers must sign an affidavit acknowledging that they've received a copy of and understand these ordinances, as well as the penalties for disregarding them.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:34AM on page 19

Flag

I question whether this statement is accurate. This suggests that a non-native tree (e.g., an American Elm, which is not native to California -- and many American Elms do exist in the city's urban tree canopy) would not be protected by these ordinances.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:25AM on page 19

Suggestion

It would be helpful here if a summary of those goals were provided, or even a reference to the section of the plan where those goals are articulated.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:17AM on page 18

Suggestion

the city's urban tree canopy

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:09AM on page 17

Flag

This must be a typo.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:06AM on page 17

Suggestion

This is a long sentence. Consider breaking up / revising to better convey the point.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:05AM on page 17

Question

What is 'active transportation'?

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:03AM on page 16

Suggestion

These figures need citations.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 11:01AM on page 16

Suggestion

The paragraph above indicates that these calculations account for city-owned trees, but these first two stats include all trees in the city, public and private. Consider revising to reduce confusion.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 10:54AM on page 16

Suggestion

The first two sentences in this paragraph read awkwardly. Consider rephrasing / tightening up this language to better convey the point.

Erik Taylor Jun 25 2024 at 10:27AM on page 7

Suggestion

Add citation here

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:58PM on page 188

This plan is very easy to access and read and I appreciate the transparency of sharing the comments of others. Thank you for the 60 day comment period!

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:52PM on page 55

Parks only has one arborist, not any dedicated tree maintenance staff, work is contracted out, I think this is not clear in this description of how City Trees are maintained, and should be highlighted to help decision makers understand the tremendous gaps in funding, and encourage increasing dedicated funding for urban forestry to all departments involved.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:47PM on page 52

California Natural Resource Agency's released Nature Based Solutions Climate Targets for Developed Lands calls for larger tree canopy to be planted to protect us against climate change. Specifically, to "increase large canopied, drought-tolerant trees meaningful to the community; prioritize communities with low tree canopy". We are lucky that our climate and proximity to our rivers allows us to grow large canopied trees that provide maximum health benefits. We should not limit our tree benefits by planting smaller trees than we are able to because of strain on municipal resource. At the very least, large canopied trees should be prioritized and recommended on private property to achieve the goals of this plan.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:30PM on page 23

increased urban forestry staff,

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:29PM on page 23

Can we say prioritizing as opposed to targeting?

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:28PM on page 21

I think this is a good place to add the dispersed maintenance and management responsibilities within publicly maintained trees as a barrier as well, for example, only having 1 staff, an arborist, dedicated to trees in the Parks Department which has 30,000 trees, and removes 240 trees a year. Collaboration will be important to achieve the goals of the plan, but also a balance of management responsibility and funding for public trees.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:16PM on page 103

How would YPCE promote this? Strengthen to implement basic skill training into Landscape and Learn.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:14PM on page 101

to include natural playgrounds, benches, tables and signage.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:10PM on page 96

planting -and establishment- program. This program's development will require oversite from the urban forestry department, as there is currently only one position in parks (arborist).

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:04PM on page 92

tree planting - establishment - and irrigation

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:03PM on page 91

Create full time urban forestry positions within Parks for students to graduate in to.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 11:02PM on page 91

Add tree benefit, planting, and establishment care training to the Landscape and Learning program.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:52PM on page 86

Suggestion

And Parks Staff

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:51PM on page 85

Suggestion

Require Parks to provide a yearly report on urban forest progress.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:46PM on page 84

Suggestion

Require and enforce

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:43PM on page 82

Suggestion

Quantify "as conditions change" to a number of years, for example every 8 to 10 years.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:40PM on page 81

Suggestion

Disadvantaged neighborhoods need the tree maintenance funded -encouraging the residents to participate is not enough. Priority communities need expanded establishment and maintenance assistance.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:34PM on page 80

Suggestion

In low-income neighborhoods most vulnerable to extreme heat, that lack space to plant street trees, plant and maintain front yard trees for residents in neighborhoods like we do in other neighborhoods.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:27PM on page 80

Suggestion

And on an ongoing basis as needed.

Victoria Vasquez Jun 21 2024 at 10:23PM on page 77

Suggestion

Identify funding to establish -multiple full time urban forestry staff positions within the parks department to-develop a consistent tree planting, irrigation, -maintenance- and tree replacement program in parks. (current staff=1 Arborist for 30,000 existing trees.)

Mr. Burke A. Lucy Jun 21 2024 at 5:37PM on page 82

Suggestion

I agree with the feedback on page 153: "Addressing food insecurity:
• Respondents hoped to see more fruit and nut bearing trees in the city and increased gleaning efforts to provide food to low-income and un-housed populations." Fruit and nut trees provide habitat and sustenance for wildlife and food for us. That should be added as 2.1.2 E. here to add fruit and nut bearing trees, especially those on the City's "River Friendly Landscape Plant List" as very low to medium water-use. Those include these trees:
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
- Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba)
- Olive (Olea europaea)
- Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
- Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
- Holly Oak (Quercus ilex)
- Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
- White Mulberry (Morus alba)

Shrubs (if you can include shrubs)
- Skunk Bush (Rhus trilobata) - also a California native
- Pineapple guava (Acca sellowiana - Feijoa sellowiana)
- Japanese Rose or Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa)
- Cherry Laurel, English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
- Ebbinge's silverberry (Elaeagnus xebbingei)
- Silverberry (Elaeagnus Pungens)

The City's existing 10-year old list referenced in footnote #75 includes several fruitless trees and recommends for one, "elect seedless cultivars to avoid litter from fruit." Fruit is NOT litter.

I understand fruit trees require extra pruning and maintenance, but this should be an added priority for the City at least or especially to allow on private property.

Dan Meier Jun 21 2024 at 1:28PM on page 98

Suggestion

Consider opportunities to create native forests within the City on open space or undeveloped lands, properties needing redevelopment or degraded lands. One increasingly popular concept is the mini-forest or pocket forest (aka Miyawaki Method). See Mini-Forests Revolution by Hannah Lewis for more information. These mini-forests consist of densely planted locally native trees within urban areas with a focus enhancing local biodiversity and creating carbon storage. These are typically community based plantings with the intent of being self-sustaining after 3 years (i.e., no irrigation or maintenance after 3 years). This method has spread internationally and has recently reached the west coast (San Diego, Berkeley, and Seattle).

Dan Meier Jun 21 2024 at 12:57PM on page 98

Suggestion

Please add more native trees to existing natural areas. Measure 4.5 g of the City Parks Plan Update states that: In natural areas, plant drought drought-tolerant species that are native to the Sacramento Valley region to create dense tree groves.

Dan Meier Jun 21 2024 at 12:46PM on page 85

Suggestion

Measure 4.4 h of the City Parks Plan Update states: Establish a working group to provide guidance to City staff on nature, wildlife and biological expertise. This measure should be extended to the Urban Forest Plan regarding native tree plantings in natural areas, parks, and regional forested corridors.

Dan Meier Jun 21 2024 at 12:38PM on page 85

Suggestion

The City also needs staff with expertise in management of natural areas and in establishment of native trees. Without this it will be difficult to impossible to meet Urban Forest Plan Measures 2.1.1 to 2.2.3 (page 98).

Dan Meier Jun 21 2024 at 12:25PM on page 98

Suggestion

This a great idea for enhancing habitat connectivity. Please develop an overall strategic plan sooner rather than later (I.e., 0-5 years) to support planning and acquisition efforts for regional forested corridors.

Dan Meier Jun 21 2024 at 12:19PM on page 98

Suggestion

Add a measure to recommend native tree plantings within the many natural areas within the City. This supports carbon sequestration and enhances biodiversity within the City. Existing natural areas often have significant capacity for more trees due to past degradation and lack of tree regeneration. These areas include but are not limited to: Del Paso Regional Park, Fisherman’s Lake, Bannon Creek Parkway, Tretheway Oak Preserve, American River Parkway (from Sacramento River to Watt Avenue), William Chorley Park, Granite Regional Park, Reichmuth Park, and North Laguna Creek Park. Augmenting existing natural areas is an effective way of reducing habitat fragmentation and increasing local diversity.

RAY TRETHEWAY Jun 21 2024 at 10:27AM on page 11

Suggestion

I am suggesting an introduction to what an urban forest is to be more descriptive for the decision makers and general public.
Urban forests are a reflection of the values and aspirations of the community pies they serve.
90% of the trees that make up our urban forest are owned and managed by private property owners.
The best urban forest does not happen by chance. The best urban forest is the result of the collective will and resolve of a community to develop and implement policies, ordinances, budgets and best practices based upon research, studies and practical experiences and knowledge.
Protection of our existing mature tree canopy is imperative - this canopy is the frontline to ameliorating urban heat islands and harmful air pollution, as well as carbon storage and lowering summer energy consumption.
The best urban forest is one that has extensive canopy cover in all neighborhoods, healthy and low risk.
The best urban forest must be equitable
The best urban forest demonstrates positive returns on program investment’s and return in community benefits.
The best urban forest values, protects and manages our native tree and natural areas.
Community education, partnerships and engagement are the civic cornerstones to building the best urban direst.

Howard Levine Jun 21 2024 at 9:56AM on page 119

Suggestion

As stated earlier in this plan, Campus Commons with over 47% canopy in a private maintain area, a planned unit development has experience in maintaining a large Diverse tree canopy. In the future, we offer to be part of the ongoing conversation. Thank you.

Howard Levine Jun 21 2024 at 9:48AM on page 89

Suggestion

Campus Commons Park corporation, we look forward to partnering as well. Thank you for the opportunity.

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Sacramento Urban Forest Plan

Sacramento Urban Forest Plan

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