Title
Special Recognition - 2022 Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim Saturday, October 8, 2022, as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Arbor Day, in celebration of the importance of the urban tree canopy to our community and the many forest stewardship efforts taking place.
Staff Contact:
Kym Foley, Associate Planner, Public Work Water Resources, 360.570.3957
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Presenter:
Kym Foley, Associate Planner, Public Work Water Resources
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
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 29th year being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
In 2022, 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 Squaxin Park. Festivities will take place outdoors with Covid-precautions in place on Saturday October 8th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will ...
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