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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7925 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7925 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 13, 1995 Subject: 1873 BENEFIT/COST ANALYSIS TO MANAGE AN URBAN FOREST The Parks and Community Services Department is pleased to announce that Fort Worth has been selected as the demonstration community for the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) project entitled "Using Benefit/Cost Analysis to Manage an Urban Forest." Fort Worth was selected from over 200 cities in the United States whose populations exceed 100,000 to serve as the model for this program. The project is being coordinated by the Davey Resource Group, Communication Research Associates,, the International Society of Arboriculture, and the Municipal Arborist and Urban Foresters Society. The project is funded by NUCFAC who retains federal authorization to dispense federal funds through a matching grant program. The project team is contributing $145,354 toward this work which is fifty percent of the overall budget of$290,708. The balance is matched through NUCFAC. The City of Fort Worth is not expected to contribute funds to this project. Instead, assistance from appropriate City staff and pertinent community leaders is requested. The project is to be completed by December, 1996. The purpose of this research project is to develop and implement a benefit/cost-based plan that maximizes benefits and minimizes cost of maintaining and enhancing the urban forest. The resulting plan will serve as a guide for other communities throughout the United States. Previous research has already identified certain environmental benefits from trees such as: energy conservation, carbon storage, mitigation of airborne pollution, storm water management, surface water quality, soil conservation, noise management and wildlife habitats. In addition there are socio- economic benefits which include: aesthetic and desirable environments, recreational opportunities, reduced stress, increased real estate values and ei-dianced opportunities for economic development. In developing the plan these benefits will be evaluated against the environmental costs associated with trees such as: hydrocarbon emissions, water quality impacts associated with organic compounds produced from the decay of fallen foilage and water requirements. There are also certain socio- economic costs to be considered like: tree planting, maintenance and preservation costs, legal liabilities, disturbance of sewer lines and overhead utilities, disturbance of sidewalks and curbs, production of pollen, production of litter and debris, public perceived safety impacts, obstruction of views and required water for growth. The first step in this process is a Needs/Assessment Survey to evalute public perception of urban forestry needs in Fort Worth. The project team will interview 50 decision makers by phone and 1,000 residents by mail seeking their input on how trees impact urban living. Decision makers include political leaders, community leaders. and business leaders who have an interest in urban forest policy. OFFICIAL RECORD Cr ff SECRETARY ff., WORTH", 11"X18 .......... INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7925 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 13, 1995 Page 2 of 2 CX ) Subject: 1873 BENEFIT/COST ANALYSIS TO MANAGE AN URBAN FOREST Once the results are received they will be reviewed by the project team and a selected focus group of urban forestry supporters from Fort Worth. Individuals selected for the focus group include Elaine Petrus, Vice Chair of Streams and Valleys, Inc., Diana Kern, Executive Director of ReLeaf Tarrant County, Larry Schaapveld, Urban Forester with the Texas Forest Service, and Bob Riley, Superintendent of Planning and Resource Management, and Harold Pitchford, City Forestor, of the Parks and Community Services Department. Also to be included is a representative from Texas Utilities representing utility interests. After evaluating the Needs/Assessment Survey the focus group with facilitation by the project team will develop a plan of action using Benefit/Cost Management tools. Through a series of public meetings and work sessions with urban forest managers, community administrators, volunteer groups, citizen action groups and interested members of the general public, the resulting management plan will enable the maximization of urban forest benefits. The remaining steps of the project include implementation, monitoring and evaluating the success. A final document will be prepared outlining the process and will serve as a guide for other communities to follow. This national recognition will highlight Fort Worth's advanced standing in the field of urban forestry. The selection of Fort Worth as the demonstration community recognizes the ongoing involvement in community tree planting projects by not only the Parks and Community Services Department, but ReLeaf Tarrant County volunteers as well. These projects have not only spurred neighborhood revitalization, but in many cases have been the impetus behind the development of strong neighborhood associations. This partnership had a great influence on the project team in deciding to select Fort Worth as the focus of this project. Throughout the project we will continue to provide updates on the progress. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Richard Zavala, Parks and Community Services Director, or Harold Pitchford,- our City Forestor. ���jL City rre rr Manager BT:w ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS