Title
Special Recognition - 2018 Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim March 17, 2018 as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Arbor Day and the importance of trees and native forests to our community.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, Public Work Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Presenter(s):
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner,
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forestry Program Manager
Background and Analysis:
On Arbor Day, we honor trees for their contribution to our society. Trees and forests contribute to the aesthetics, urban fabric and unique ecology forming the identity of our community. In a City the size of Olympia, trees and other native vegetation provide ecological functions that are worth literally millions of dollars such as:
* Air filtration and carbon sequestration
* Stormwater retention
* Erosion control and slope stabilization
* Moderation of urban microclimate
* Shading our creeks, shorelines, and wetlands while providing wildlife habitat
Trees also provide psychological, social, health and safety benefits.
The City of Olympia is committed to creating a sustainable urban environment through preserving, managing and improving this valuable natural resource. This is Olympia's 25th year being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation!
In 2018 three City departments (Community Planning and Development; Parks, Arts and Recreation; and Public Works) are collaborating on a variety of events to celebrate Arbor Day at LBA Park and the recently acquired LBA Woods. Festivities will take place on Saturday March 17 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will include:
* A 90-minute guided bird walk with Black Hills Audubon
* Workshops on Invasive Plants of Local Forests, Proper Pruning Techniques and a Self-Guided Forest Ecolog...
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