Title
Approval of Community Forestry Assistance Grant Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Council Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) has been providing staff with direction on development of an Urban Forest Strategic Plan; however, LUEC has not had discussion or provided direction on entering into the Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve entering in an Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of using $10,000 in awarded grant funds to develop an Urban Forest Strategic Plan.
Report
Issue:
The City of Olympia has been awarded a $10,000 Community Forestry Assistance Grant by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR). Should Council approve the Interagency Agreement with WADNR accepting the grant funds and allowing use of the funds in creation of an Urban Forest Strategic Plan,
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Associate Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
None- Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Community Forestry Assistance Grant
The Urban Forestry Program has experienced significant funding and staff reductions over the last four years, which have resulted in a decline in urban forestry staff, community services, and management activities. These issues were raised during 2014 budget discussions, and as a result, Council directed CPD staff to develop options for how to structure, fund, and manage or improve the Urban Forestry Program and the City's urban forest.
To help in accomplishing this, CPD applied for and has been awarded a $10,000 Community Forestry Assistance Grant to be used in developing an Urban Forest Strategic Plan. Funds for the Community Forestry Assistance Grants are provided by the USDA Forest Service...
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