Title
Special Recognition - Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to proclaim April 16, 2016 as Arbor Day in the City of Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Arbor Day and the importance of trees in our community.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Michelle Bentley, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Sylvana Niehuser, Park Ranger, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8258
Presenter(s):
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner
Michelle Bentley, Associate Planner
Sylvana Niehuser, Park Ranger
Background and Analysis:
On Arbor Day, we honor trees for their contribution to our society. Trees and forests are part of the fabric and identity of our community. In a City the size of Olympia, trees provide ecological services that are worth literally millions of dollars such as:
* Air filtration
* Stormwater retention
* Carbon sequestration
* Erosion control
* Slope stabilization
* Moderation of urban microclimate
* Shading our creeks, shorelines, and wetlands
* Providing wildlife habitat
Trees also provide psychological, social, health and safety benefits that are not easy to quantify.
The City of Olympia is committed to creating a sustainable urban environment through managing and improving this valuable natural resource. Three City departments (Community Planning and Development; Parks, Arts, and Recreation; and Public Works) and other community partners are collaborating on a variety of events to celebrate Arbor Day in 2016 including:
* Celebrating in Priest Point Park with a Tree Canopy Adventure to ascend 100 feet into historic, old-growth trees while enjoying the tree top environment with expert arborists. Certified staff from Expedition Old Growth will make the experience both safe and memorable.
* Four one-hour, hands-on and inter...
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