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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResponse to Constituent Letter - Mail Packet - 10/01/2024 - Letter from Mayor Jeni Arndt to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) re Urban Forest Strategic Plan (UFSP): Rooted in Community Mayor City Hall Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.416.2154 970.224.6107 - fax fcgov.com September 26, 2024 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board c/o Mike Calhoon, Staff Liaison PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Dear Chair Armstrong, Vice Chairs Baker and Willis and Board Members, On behalf of City Council, thank you for providing us with the September 25, 2024 memorandum regarding the Urban Forest Strategic Plan (UFSP): Rooted in Community. We appreciate the focus that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board placed on careful evaluation of the Plan. We understand your overall support for the UFSP and also note your appreciation that the Plan directly supports Our Climate Future goals by dedicated and vital care of our urban forest. Thank you for the expertise and perspectives that you bring to the Board and share with City Council. Best Regards, Jeni Arndt Mayor /sek cc: City Council Members Kelly DiMartino, City Manager City Clerk’s Office 300 LaPorte Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6515 970.221.6295 - fax Boardsandcommissions@fcgov.com MEMORANDUM DATE: September 25, 2024 TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Nick Armstrong, Chair for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board RE: Adopting the Rooted in Community Urban Forest Strategic Plan CC: Boards and Commissions via email boardsandcommissions@fcgov.com Dear City Leaders + City Council, The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is deeply supportive and appreciative of the work of the Forestry Department on the Urban Forest Strategic Plan (UFSP). From the beginning, the work of the Forestry Department, Davey Tree, and the steering committee has been directly aligned with the goals of Our Climate Future, as well as the economic, environmental, neighborhood and community vitality of our City. We feel the UFSP fully addresses the stated goals of the plan recommendations: ● Communicate the social, economic, and environmental value of the urban forest ● Prioritize equity in service delivery, ensuring that the most vulnerable and underserved communities benefit from a healthy tree canopy ● Plan for proactive tree planting and care of the urban forest ● Identify funding goals and strategies for the Fort Collins urban forest ● Identify and propose improved and enforceable public policy for the protection of community trees ● Build a culture of trust and partnership between Fort Collins residents and the institutions that serve or interact with the urban forest ● Address rising temperatures in the built environment and adaptation needs for a changing climate The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board formally recommends the adoption of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan with our gratitude to the Forestry Department, City Staff and especially Kendra Boot, the Steering Committee, Davey Tree, and City Council for their support of such a forward- thinking resource. With our thanks, The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board