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Management Support for Public/Urban Forester

Purpose:  To give decision-makers and managers of public trees the knowledge, tools, and resources to increase tree canopy while maximizing best value and safety

California Urban Forester Certification Workshops - The Urban Forester Certification Committee of the California Urban Forests Council proposes to hold five separate professional workshops for the purpose of improving the educational awareness and managerial skills of professionals regarding the air quality benefits of trees and the importance of increasing tree canopy cover in the region.  These workshops will focus on:  landscape architecture, planning, public works, public administration, and environmental quality.  These workshops will be held in Los Angeles and Orange Counties as well as the Inland Empire.  Over 100 attendees are anticipated at each event and all expenses will be paid to encourage maximum participation. The Certification Committee contributes the professional development of the program, administration, coordination and transportation as additional resources to this project. (Multiple year funding is requested.)

Action to Plant Trees

Purpose:  To plant trees to increase tree canopy and to provide the resources needed to ensure their survival and good health.

The Citizen Forester/Tree Give Away Program – The Inland Empire Urban Forest Council would like to design and implement an educational program for the public which would cover the environmental benefits of trees and urban forests; site selection, tree selection, planting, and care in a practical field classroom setting.  The public would be encouraged to plant trees on private property while using a planned approach to develop tree canopy and thus reduce energy needs.  Ten thousand trees will be given to participants of this program to plant in and around their neighborhoods and homes.  The program will be repeated throughout the Inland Empire to gain as much exposure and to get trees planted.  Teaching materials will be developed, printed and distributed.  IEUFC will bring a network of experienced volunteers and professional participants as resources.  This program will be made available to other groups through out the South Coast AQMD. (Three year funding is requested.)

City of Los Angeles Public-Rights-of-Way Tree Planting - The City of Los Angeles Street Tree Division proposes to plant 500 new trees in existing, vacant tree sites across the City.  To ensure the survival of the trees root control barriers, stake, ties, educational materials and twice-weekly watering will be part of this program.  The trees will be maintained for five years.  The City will contribute the administration, clerical and supervisory staff time required for the project, as well as the locating the tree sites and regular inspection.  (Multiple-year funding is requested.)

City of Pasadena Public Parkways and Natural Area Tree Plantings – The City of Pasadena seeks to plant from 100 to 1,000 new public trees.  To ensure the long-term survival of these trees the proposal includes all associated costs of site preparation, planting, trees, irrigation and three years of watering and tree care.  The City of Pasadena has a recognized, strong urban forestry program and is dedicated to the development of the urban forest.  Additionally the City places a strong emphasis on education and outreach and conducts volunteer tree planting events, Arbor Day events and other citywide events where information is distributed.  10% of their total award will go to education including interpretative programs and signage regarding the benefits of trees, production and distribution of educational materials and website.  The city will provide additional resources via project management, a portion of the labor costs, and equipment.  Matching funds may also be available from existing grants including Propositions A, 12, and 40 and the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program.  Volunteers are part of tree planting events.  (Multiple year funding is requested.)

Trees for Cleaner Air – California ReLeaf proposes to establish a three-year grant program specifically for tree plantings in the four-county area of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Nonprofit organizations, unincorporated community groups, and public agencies are invited to apply for grants. The project goal is to add several thousand trees to the region to help improve air quality by reducing carbon dioxide levels and absorbing air pollutants.  California ReLeaf has a 15-year history of administering state and federally-funded grant programs for community tree plantings throughout California. As the state's volunteer coordinator for urban forestry for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, we also administer a statewide network of community-based tree organizations. Nineteen of our network member groups are located in the four-county area affected by this project. We anticipate that these groups, as well as other community-based organizations, will join us in this effort.  Matching Resources include: volunteer tree planters, donated staff time, tools and equipment, printed materials, refreshments for tree planters. Historically, California ReLeaf grants have been matched dollar-for-dollar or greater. (Three year funding request.)