Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Arbor Day
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize Saturday, October 5, 2024, as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Saturday, October 5, 2024, as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Kym Foley, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3957
Jasen Johns, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Presenter(s):
Jasen Johns, Urban Forestry Program Manager
Kym Foley, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
On Arbor Day, we celebrate trees for their many contributions toward healthy, safe and livable communities. Forests are a critical part of our urban fabric, providing a sense of place for all who live, work and play here.
Furthermore, urban forests are shown to provide a long list of economic, environmental, cultural, and public health benefits that together are worth millions of dollars, including (but not limited to):
* Carbon sequestration and slowing the impacts of climate change
* Cleaner air and water
* Flood control and slope stabilization
* Reduction of urban heat islands and heat-related illness
* Traffic calming
* Increased pedestrian and bicycle activity
* Habitat for fish and wildlife
* Improved mental health
* Honoring Indigenous history and ongoing stewardship
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 31st year of being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Hosting an Arbor Day event is one of several requirements toward receiving this annual certification.
In 2024, 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 downtown at the Heritage Fountain. Festivities will...
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