HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 4/9/2024 - Memorandum From Kendra Boot Re: March 26, 2024 Work Session Summary: Urban Forest Strategic Plan Findings And Proposed DirectionsForestry Division
413 S Bryan Ave
PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522
970-221-6660
forestry@fcgov.com
Page 1 of 2
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 2, 2024
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
Dean Klingner, Community Services Director
From: Kendra Boot, City Forester
Subject: March 26, 2024 Work Session Summary: Urban Forest Strategic Plan Findings and
Proposed Direction
BOTTOM LINE
The purpose of this memo is to document the summary of discussions during the March 26,
2024 Work Session. All Councilmembers were present.
A presentation of the findings and recommendations of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan process
was provided to Councilmembers. Staff and the Davey Resource Group consultant shared that
city-wide there is 14% canopy cover (includes both public and private trees) and 13% overall
when including the Growth Management Area. A summary of the community engagement
process was provided, and staff shared the broad sentiment of trees in the community, a vision
for the urban forest, as well as future challenges. Overall, the Councilmembers supported the
direction of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan effort.
BACKGROUND
Staff heard various feedback and suggestions including:
o More emphasis on the broad benefits of the urban forest in Fort Collins, including
and especially bird and wildlife habitat.
o More connection of the urban forest to the seven City Strategic Outcomes Areas
(i.e. How does the urban forest support Economic Health, etc.).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9B6442A5-6740-47FB-8892-C19293780D01
o Clarify how trees fit in as we move toward a more water-wise landscape and how
trees can support multiple objectives in a changing climate.
o Clarify and educate responsibilities for private trees between neighbors as well
as other education and outreach opportunities to help support both community
members and tree canopy.
Land Use Code (LUC) tree policies recommended in this plan will be developed and
brought forward in the upcoming LUC workstreams to surface the trade-offs and
tensions between priorities to achieve the right balance.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will be presenting a draft plan to the Urban Forest Strategic Plan Steering
Committee in May.
Staff are scheduling Board and Commission visits for the month of May to seek
feedback and support for a draft plan.
Land Use Code tree-related policies are currently scheduled for the June 11, Council
Work Session, along with other Phase II scoping discussions.
Staff is planning to bring the Final Plan back to Council in August 2024.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9B6442A5-6740-47FB-8892-C19293780D01