HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 1332• Inter-departmental interviews: These interviews intend to identify overlapping goals
and potential conflicts between departments and the City's various policies and
procedures.
Discussion
The study session is an opportunity to introduce the project consultants, Hort Science,lnc. and
Circle Point, to the City Council and the community. The consultants will make a presentation
to:
• Introduce the key elements of the master plan. These include:
o Review and analysis of existing policies and procedures, analysis of street tree
inventory, overview of benefits provided by the urban forest, and assessment of
historical tree canopy coverage.
o Introduction of how Palo Alto can evaluate the sustainability of its urban forest.
o Presentation of a "road map" for future management with an eye towards
sustainability.
o Relationship of City departments to urban forest management.
• Discuss the proposed criteria and indicators for maintaining and enhancing a sustainable
urban forest in Palo Alto.
• Discuss the preliminary results of the online survey. The online informal survey was
available on the City's website from January 14 until January 26. Invitations to take the
survey were sent via email to a wide variety of community leaders, groups and
distribution lists, including elected officials and boards, neighborhood associations,
environmental and gardening organizations, development professionals, business
groups, and tree industry professionals.
Next Step
In late March, CALFIRE will preview the draft components as part of the grant requirements.
Subsequently, the City will prepare a draft plan that will be reviewed and commented on by the
public and reviewing boards, commissions and the Council in the summer of 2011. There will
beacommunity meeting as well as a second Council study session prior to preparing a plan for
adoption by the City Council.
Resources Impacts
No Council action on the Urban Forest Master Plan is requested at this time. Funding for the
project is provided by:
1. A $66,000 CALFI RE grant; and
2. $93,604 from the City Manager's Contingency Account to be replenished by the Public
Works, Utilities, Community Services, and the Planning and Community Environment
Departments during the FY 2011 mid-year budget review process
February 07, 2011
·(lD # 1332)
Page 2 of4
Policy Implications
This project is consistent with the City's sustainability policies and numerous goals, policies and
programs in the Natural Environment and Land Use chapters of the Comprehensive Plan,
including but not limited to:
GOAL N-3: A Thriving "Urban Forest" That Provides Ecological, Economic, and Aesthetic Benefits
for Palo Alto.
POLICY N-14: Protect, revitalize, and expand Palo Alto's urban forest through public education,
sensitive regulation, and a long-term financial commitment that is adequate to protect this
resource.
PROGRAM N-16: Continue to require replacement of trees, including street trees lost to new
development, and establish a program to have replacement trees planted offsite when it is
impractical to locate them onsite.
PROGRAM N-19: Establish one or more tree planting programs that seek to achieve the
following objectives:
• A 50 percent tree canopy for streets, parks, and parking lots; and
• The annual tree planting goals recommended by the Tree Task Force and adopted by the
City Cou ncil.
PROGRAM N .. 20: Establish procedures to coordinate City review, particularly by the Planning,
Utilities, and Public Works Departments, of projects that might impact the urban forest.
POLlCY:N-17: Preserve and protect heritage trees, including native oaks and other significant
trees, on public and private property.
POLICY L-70: Enhance the appearance of streets and other public spaces by expanding and
maintaining Palo Alto's street tree system.
POLICY L-76: Require trees and other landscaping within parking lots.
Environmental Review
This is an information only item and environmental review is not required. It is anticipated.that
the Urban Forest Master Plan will be categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
COURTESY COPIES
Catherine Martineau, Canopy
ATTACHMENTS:
• Attachment A: CMR 415:10
February 07, 2011
(ID # 1332)
(PDF)
Page 3 of4
Prepared By:
Department Head:
City Manager Approval:
February 07, 2011
(ID # 1332)
Gloria Humble, Senior Planner
Curtis Williams, Director
James Keene, City Manager
Page 4 of4
TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:· CITY MANAGER
,
DATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2010
REPORT TYPE: CONSENT
DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
CMR: 415:10
SUBJECT: Approval and Authorization for the City Manager or his Designee to
Execute the Attached Contract wi'th HortScience, Inc. (Attachment A)
bl the Amount of $159,604 for the Development of an Urban Forest
MasterPlan
. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2008, the City l'eceived a $66,000 grant from the State (CalFire) to provide partial funding for
preparation of an Urban Forest MasterPlan for the City. Staff issued a Request for Proposals
(RFP) for the preparation of the plan in 2010. Staff is recommending selection of HortScience to
prepare the master plan at a cost not to exceed $159,604, based on a'work program developed by
staff, Canopy, and the consultants. Staff requests that the City Council authorize the City
Manager to execute the attached contract.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council:
1. ApPl'ove and authorize the City Manager 01' his designee to execute the attached contract
with HortScience, Inc. (Attachment A) in the amount of $159,604 for the development of
. an Urban Forest Master Plan.
2. Approve the use of $93,604 from the City Manager's Contingency Account to fund the"
amount not covered by the grant to be replenished by the Public Works, Utilities,
Community Services, at:1d Planning and Community Environment Departments during
the FY 2011 mid-year budget review process.
BACKGROUND
The Palo Alto community has long been aware of the need to proactively preserve and enhance
the city's urban forest. In 1993, the City Council appointed a Tree Task Force to make
recommendations and in 1995 the Council adopted their recommendations including:
• The creation of a non-profit tree group. In 1996 Canopy was established to serve as the
community's resource on tree .. related matters as well as act as the City's advisor and partner
for tree planting and tree care activities. .
CMR: 415:10 Page 1 of5
• The development of a Tree Protection Ordinance. In 1996, the Council adopted the Tree
Protection Ordinance which established criteria for "protected" trees, which cannot be
removed without City approval.
In 1998, the cun'ent Comprehensive Plan was adopted, including several goals, policies, and
programs to preserve, maintain, and .enhance the city's U1'ban forest. On Earth Day 2006,
Council directed staff to create a new Street Tree Management Plan to implement the
Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. .
In 2001, the City collaborated with Canopy to apply for" a grant from CALFIRE to help fund the
development of the Master Plan. In August of 2008, the grant was awarded; however, due to
staffing reductions and state budget constraints, the preparation of the master plan was delayed.
In late 2009, the removal of the street trees on California Avenue ftnther underscored the need
for a master plan. In the spring of201 0, the City assembled a team, including staff as well as
Canopy, to oversee the preparation of the master plan.
DISCUSSION
The Ui'ban Forest Master Plan is an important component of the City's Sustainability Program .
that will establish the tn'ban forest as an asset that must be preserved and renewed; it will.provide
a road map to accomplish that goal. The future of Palo Alt9's urban forest is seriously threatened
by many factors, such as water restrictions, the installation of fiber optics, and on-going
development that affect Palo Alto's tree canopy every day. A master plan is needed to help the
City conserve, renew, and monitor its urban forest and will identify how to minimize conflicts
between retention of the urban forest and construction of development and infrastructure
projects, as well as the City's continued maintenance and operational needs.
In late July, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was circuhited for the preparation of the Urban Forest
Master Plan with the following objectives:
1. Ensure that the City has an accurate and complete picture of its urban forest
2. Establish the urban forest as an asset
3. Establish the importance of the urban forest to the City's sustainability goals
4. Provide a road map for effective and efficient management th~t employs best practices
and latest advancements
5. 'Consolidate resources (internal and external)
6. Engage the community as stewards of the urban forest
7. Provide a monitoring plan
Number of proposals received 4
Number of firms interviewed 3
Range ofproposal8.!Ilounts $69,000 to $239,000
Proposed length of project 9 months
The review panel for the proposals was composed of the City'S Public Works and Planning
arborists and the Executive Director of Canopy .. The panel evaluated four proposals and
interviewed three of the bidders. At the interviews, the panel reinforced its expectations that the
document will provide for inter-departmental protocols as a resource for staff, a thorough
understanding of probable-future· water-conservation mandates, and a flexible response to such
CMR: 415:10 Page2of5
environmental ~hanges-including the role of the City's recycled water program. The interviews
~stablished that some components of the Palo Alto Urban Forest Mastel' Plan would be
unprecedented based"on the consultants' previous experiences.
Based on their proposal, experience, and interview, HortScience was determined by the panel to
be uniquely qualified to help the City develop a plan for sustaining the urban forest. In the tree
industry, HortScience stands out as one of the world's premier academic and technically
advanced consulting firms. Staff believes that HOl1:Science, brings the needed level of ,
arbol'icultural expertise to all aspects of the project. The panel believes that use of any of the
other eonsultants would result in City staff needing to prepare at least some components of the
Urban Forest Master Plan, e.g., the urban forest sustainability program and an adaptive
management program for our recycled ,water program.
HOltScience pUblications illustrate a match between their expertise and the objectives of the
Master :plan. Two particularly significant projects completed by Ms. Matheny and Mr. Clark,
principals of the firm, are:
1. Development of a model for the assessment of urban forest sustainability through a grant
from the USDA -Forest Service (Attachment B). Implementing the model for Palo Alto will
provide: '
a. A community .. specific template for managing the City's urban forest and monitoring
its sustainability
h. A sustainability scorecard that can be used throughout the community to continually
assess progress towards attaining specified goals
2. Development of the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species. The proposed work plan
includes a comprehensive analysis of the water use and salt toleranC'e of tree. species. Using
this classification system will provide the City with state-of-the-art information to meet state
goals for water conservation.
Additionally, HortScience is currently under contract with the Utilities and Public Works
Departments to provide expertise in the use of recycled water for landscape irrigation.
HortScience's expertise regarding Palo Alto's recycled water challenges will streamline
permitting;' alleviate conflicts between departments and guide the process to avoid costly
mistakes. FinB;l1y, staffs expeltise will be enhanced by working with HortScience on the
project.
Staff has negotiated the attached contract (Attachment A) with HortScience for the development
of an Urban Forest Master Plan that will cost $159,604. .
The project will also include:
1. Inter-departmental interviews by the consultant.
2. Significant public outreach, including:
• A community-wide survey to gather input
• A City Council Study Session early in the process to provide broad policy
direction
CMR: 415:10 . Page 3 of5
• A City Council Study Session at the end of the process to discuss the draft Master
Plan
• Two community meetings to discuss the draft Urban Forest Master Plan
RESOURCE IMPACTS
Funding for the project is provided by:
1. A $66,000 CALFlRE grant; and
2. $93,604 from the City Manager's Contingency Account to be replenished by the Public
Works, Utilities, Community Services, and the Planning and Community Environment
Departments during the FY 2011 mid-year, budget review process.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This project is consistent with the City's sustainability policies and numerous goals, policies and
programs in the Natural Environment and Land Use chapters of the Comprehensive' Plan,
including but not limited to:
GOAL N-3: A Thriving "Urban Forest" That Provides Ecological, Economic, and Aesthetic
Benefits for Palo Alto.
POLICY N .. 14: Protect, revitalize, and expand Palo Alto's urban forest through public education,
sensitive regu~ation, and a long-tenn financial commitment that is adequate to pro~ect this
resource.
PROGRAM N-16: Continue to require replacement. of trees, including street trees lost to new
development, and establish a program to have replacement trees planted offsite when it is
impractical to locate them onsite.
PROGRAM N-19: Establish one or more tree planting programs that seek to achieve the
following objectives:
• A 50 percent tree canopy for streets) parks) and parking lots; and
• The annual tree planting goals recommended by the Tree Task Force and adopted by the City
Council.
PROGRAM N-20: Establish procedures to coordinate C~ty review, particularly by the Planning,
Utilities, and Public Works Departments, of projects that might impact the urban forest.
~OLICY N-17: Preserve and protect heritage trees, including native oaks and other significant
trees, on public and private property.
POLICY L-70: Enhance the appearance of streets and other public spaces by expanding and
maintail)ing Palo Alto's street tree system. .
POLICY L-76: Require trees and other landsca.ping within parking lots.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval of this contract is not considered a project subject to the.requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CMR: 415:10 Page4·of5
CITY OF PALO ALTO CONTRACT NO. Cl1137721 .
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND
HORTSCIENCE, INC.
FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
PROVIDE URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN
This Agreement is entered into on this 23rd day of November, 2010, by and between the CITY
OF PALO ALTO, a California chartered municipal corporation ("CITY"), and
HORTSCIENCE, INC., a California Corporation, located at 2150 Rheem Drive, Suite A,
Pleasanton, CA 94566, (PH) (925) 484~0211 ("CONSULTANT").
RECITALS
The following recitals are a substantive portion of this Agreement.
A. CITY intends to implement an Urban Forest Master Plan in conjunction with other
environmental initiatives ("Project") and desires to engage a consultant to provide an Urban Forest
Master Plan for this Project. e'Services'}
B. CONSULTANT has represented that it has the necessary professional expertise,
qualifications, and capability, and all required licenses and/or certifications to provide the Services.
C. CITY in reliance on these representations desires to engage CONSULTANT to provide the
Services as more fully described in Exhibit "A", attached to and made a part of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals, covenants, terms, and conditions, this
Agreement, the parties agree:
AGREEMENT
SECTION 1. SCOPE OF SERVICES. CONSULTANT shall perform the Services described in
Exhibit ~'A" in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. The
performance of all Services shall be to the reasonable satisfaction of CITY.
SECTION 2. TERM.
The tenn of this Agreement shall be from the date of its full execution through August 30, 2011,
unless te~inated earlier pursuant to Section 19 of this Agreement.
SECTION 3. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of
Services under this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall complete the Services within the tenn of this
Agreement and in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit "B", attached to and made a part
of this Agreement. Any Services for which times for performance are not specified in this Agreement
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shall be commenced and completed by CONSULTANT in a reasonably prompt and timely marmer
based upon the circumstances and direction communicated 'to the CONSULTANT. CITY's
agreement to extend the term or the schedule for performance shall not preclude recovery of damages
for delay if the extension is required due to the fault of CONSULTANT.
SECTION 4. NOT TO EXCEED COMPENSATION. The compensation to be paid to
CONSULTANT for performance of the Services described in Exhibit" A", including both
payment for professional services and reimbursable expenses, shall not exceed One Hundred
Fifty Nine 1i'housand Six Hundred Four Dollars ($159,604.00). In the event Additional Services
are authorized, the total compensation for services and reimbursable expenses shall not exceed
One Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Four Dollars!·($159,604.00). The applicable
rates and schedule of payment are set out in Exhibit "C-l", entitled "FEE and RATE
SCHEDULE," which is attache~ to and made a part of this Agreement.
Additional Services, if any, shall be authorized in accordance with and subject to the provisions
of Exhibit "C". CONSULTANT shall not receive any compensation for Additional Services
performed without the prior written authorization of CITY. Additional Services shall mean any
work that is determined by CITY to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but
which is not included within the Scope of Services descri\>ed in Exhibit "A" .
. SECTION 5. INVOICES. In order to request payment, CONSULTANT shall submit monthly
invoices to the CITY describing the services performed and the applicable charges (including an
identification of personnel who performed the services, hours worked, hourly rates, and reimbursable
expenses), based upon the CONSULTANT's billing rates (set forth in Exhibit "C .. l "). If applicable,
the invoice shall also describe the percentage of completion of each task. The information in
CONSULTANT's payment requests shall be subject to verification by CITY. CONSULTANT shall
send all invoices to the City's project manager at the address specified in Section 13 below. The City
will generally process and pay invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt.
SECTION 6. QUALIFICATIONS/STANDARD OF CARE. All of the Services shall be
performed by CONSULTANT or lUlder CONSULTANT's supervision. CONSULTANT represents
that it possesses the professional and teclmical personnel necessary to perfonn the Services required
by this Agreement and that the personnel have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services
assigned to them. CONSULTANT represents that it, its employees and subconsultants, if permitted,
have and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement all licenses, permits, qualifications,
insurance and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the Services.
All of the services to be furnished by CONSULTANT under this agreement shall meet the
professional standard and quality that prevail among professionals in the same discipline and of
similar knowledge and skill engaged in related work throughout California under the same or similar
circumstances.
SECTION 7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. CONSULTANT shall keep itself informed of and
in compliance with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and orders that may
affect in any manner the Project or the performance of the Services or those engaged to perform
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Services under this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall procure all permits and licenses, pay all
char~es and fees, and give all 'notices required by law in the performance of the Services.
SECTION 8. ·ERRORS/OMISSIONS. CONSULTANT shall correct, atno'costto CITY, any and
all errors, omissions, or ambiguities in the work product submitted to CITY, provided CITY gives
notice to CONSULTANT. If CONSULTANT has prepared plans and specifications or other design
documents to construct the Project, CONSULTANT shall be obligated to correct any and all errors,
omissions or ambiguities discovered pri<?r to and during the course of construction of the, Project.
This obligation shall survive tennination of the Agreement.
SECTION 9. COST ESTIMATES. If this Agreement pertains to the design of a public works
project, CONSULTANT shall submit estimates of probable construction costs at each phase of
desigri submittal. If the total estimated construction cost at any submittal exceeds ten percent (10%)
. of the CITY's stated construction budget, CONSULTANT shall make recommendations to the CITY
for aligning the PROJECT design with the budget, incorPorate CITY approved recommendations,
and' revise the design to meet the Project budget, at no additional cost to CITY.
SECTION 10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. It is understood and agreed that in performing
the Services under this Agreement CONSULTANT, and any person employed by or contracted with
CONSULTANT to furnish labor and/or materials under this Agreement, shall act as and be an
independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the CITY.
SECTION 11. ASSIGNMENT. The parties agree that the expertise and experience of
CONSUL T ANT are material considerations for this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall not assign or
transfer any interest in this Agreement nor the performance of any of CONSULT ANT's obligations
hereunder without the prior written consent of the. city manager. Consent to one assignment will not
be deemed to be consent to any subsequent assignment. Any assignment made without the approval
of the city manager will be void.
SECTION 12. SUBCONTRACTING.
DOption A: No Subcontractor: CONSULTANT shall not subcontract any portion of the work to
be performed under this Agreement without the prior written authorization of the city manager or
designee.
~Option B: Subcontracts Authorized: Notwithstanding Section 11 above, CITY agrees that
subconsultants may be used· to complete the Services. The subconsultants authorized by CITY to
perform work on this Project are:
CirclePoint, Inc.
CONSULTANT shall be responsible for directing the work of any subconsultants and fef any
compensation due to subconsultants. CITY assumes no responsibility whatsoever concerning
compensation. CONSULTANT shall be fully responsible to CITY for all acts and omissions of a
sub consultant. CONSULTANT shall change or add sub consultants only with the prior approval of
the city manager or his designee.
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SECTION 13. PROJECT MANAGEMENT. CONSULTANT will assign Jim Clark, Vice
President, as Project Manager, to have supervisory responsibility for the performance, progress, and.
execution of the Services and to represent CONSULTANT during the day-to~day work on the
:project. If circumstances cause the substitution of the project manager, or any other key personnel
for any reason, the appointment of a substitute project manager and the assignment of any key new or
replacement personnel will be subject to the prior written approval of the CITY's project manager.
CONSULTANT, at CITY's request, shall promptly remove personnel who CITY finds do not
perform the Services in an acceptable manner, are uncooperative, or present a threat to the adequate
or timely completion oft~e Project or a threat to the safety of persons or property.
The City's Project Manager is Gloria Humble, Planning and Community Environment Department,
250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, Telephone: (650) 329-2596. The Project Manager
will be CONSULTANT's point of contact .with respect to performance, progress and execution of
the Services. The CITY may designate an alternate project manager from time to time.
SECTION 14. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS. Upon delivery, all work product, including
without limitation, all writings, drawings,plans, reports, specifications, calculations, documents,
other materials and copyright interests developed under this Agreement shall be and remain the
exclusive property of CITY without restriction or limitation upon their use. CONSULT ANT agrees
that all copyrights which arise from creation of the work pursuant to this Agreement shall be vested
in CITY, and CONSULTANT waives and relinquishes ~l claims to copyright or other intellectual
property rights in favor of the CITY. Neither CONSULTANT nor its contractors, if any, shall make
any of such materials available to any individual or organization without the prior written approval of
the City Manager or designee. CONSULTANT makes no representation of the suitability of the
work product for use in or application to circumstances not contemplated by the scope of work.
SECTION IS. AUDITS. CONSULTANT will pennit CITY to audit, at any reasonable time during
·the term of this Agreement ~d for three (3) years thereafter, CONSULTANT's records pertaining to
matters covered by this Agreement. CONSULTANT further agrees to maintain and retain such
records for at least three (3) years after the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 16. INDEMNITY.
IZI[Option A applies to the following design professionals pursuant to Civil Code Section
2782.8: architects; landscape architects; registered professional engineers and licensed
professional land surveyors.] 16.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, CONSULTANT shall
protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless CITY, its Council members, officers, employees and
agents (each an "Indemnified Party") from and against any and all demands, claims, or liability of
any nature, including death or injury to any person, property damage or any other loss, including all .
-costs and expenses of whatever nature including attorneys fees, experts fees, court costs and
disbursements ("Claims") that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or
willful misconduct of the CONSULTANT, its officers, employees, agents or contractors under this
Agreement, regardless of whether or not it is ca¥sed in part by an Indemnified Party.
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o {Option B applies to any consultant who does not qualify as a design professional as defined
in Civil Code Section 2782.8.] 16.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, CONSULTANT shall
protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless CITY, its Council members, officers, employees and
agents (each an "Indemnified Party") from and against any and all demands, claims, or liability of
any nature, including death or irijury to any person, property damage or any other loss, including all
costs and expenses of whatever nature including attorneys fees, experts fees, court costs and
disbursements ("Claims") resulting from, arising out of or in any manner related to perfonnance or
nonperformance by CONS'VLTANT, its officers, employees, agents or contractors under this
Agreement, regardless of whether or not it is caused in part by an Indemnified Party.
162. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Section 16 shall be construed to
require CONSULTANT to indemnify an Indemnified Party from Claims arising from the aotive
negligence, sole negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party.
16.3. The acceptance of CONSULTANT's services and duties by CITY shall not
operate as a waiver of the right of indemnification. The provisions of this Section 16 shall survive
the expiration or early tennination of this Agreement.
SECTION 17 • WAIVERS. The waiver by either party of any breach or violation of any covenant,
term, condition or provision of this Agr~ment, or of the provisions of any ordinance or law, will not
be deemed to be a waiver of any other term, covenant, condition, provisions, ordinance or law, or of
any subsequent breach or violation of the same or of any other term, covenant, condition, provision,
ordinance or law.
SECTION 18. INSURANCE.
18.1. CONSULTANT, at its sole cost and expense, shall obtain and maintain, in full
force and effect during the term of this Agreement, the insurance coverage described in Exhibit "D".
CONSULTANT and its contractors, if any, shall obtain a policy endorsement naming CITY as an
additional insured under any general liability or automobile policy or policies.
18.2. All insurance coverage required hereunder shall be provided through carriers
with AM Best's Key Rating Guide ratings of A-:VII or higher which are licensed or authorized to
transact insurance business in the State of California. Any and all contractors of CONSULTANT
retained to perfotto Services under this Agreement will obtain and maintain, in full force and effect
during the term of this Agreement, identical insurance coverage, naming CITY as an additional
insured under such policies as required above.
18.3. Certificates evidencing such insurance shall be filed with CITY concurrently
with the execution of this Agreement. The certificate~ will be subject to the approval of CITY's Risk
Manager and will contain an endorsement stating that the insurance is primary coverage and will not
be canceled, or materially reduced in coverage or limits, by the insurer except after filing with the
Purchasing Manager thirty (30) days' prior written notice of the cancellation or modification,
CONSULTANT shall be responsible for ensuring that current certificates evidencing the insurance
are provided to CITY's Purchasing Manager during the entire tenn of this Agreement.
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18.4. The procuring of such required policy or policies of insurance will not be
construed to limit CONSULTANT's liability hereunder nor to fulfill the indemnification provisions
of this Agreement. Notwiths.tanding the policy or policies of insurance, CONSULTANT will be
obligated for the full and total amount of any damage~ injury, or loss caused by or directly arising as
a result of the Services performed under this Agreement, including such damage, injury, or loss
arising atter the Agreement is terminated or the tenn has expired.
SECTION 19. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF AGREEMENT OR SERVICES.
19.1. The City Manager may suspend the performance of the Services, in whole or
in part, or tenninate th~s Agreement, with or without cause, by giving ten (10) days prior written
notice thereof to CONSULTANT. Upon receipt of such notice, CONSULTANT will immediately
discontinue its performance of the Services.
19 .2. CONSULTANT may terminate this Agreement or suspend its performance of
the Services by giving thirty (30) days prior written notice thereof to CITY, but only in the event of a
substantial failure of performance by CITY.
19.'3. Upon such suspension or termination, CONSULTANT shall deliver to the
City Manager immediately any and all copies of studies, sketches, drawings, computations, and other
data, whether or not completed, prepared by CONSULTANT or its contractors, ifany, or given to
CONSULTANT or its contractors, if any, in connection with this Agreement. Such materials will
become the property of CITY.
19.4. Upon such suspension or termination by CITY, CONSULTANT will be paid
for the S~rvices rendered or materials delivered to CITY in accordance with the scope of services on
or before the effeqtive date (i.e., 10 days after giving notice) of suspension or termination; provided,
however, if this Agreement is suspended or terminated on account of a default by CONSULT ANT,
CITY will be obligated to compensate CONSULTANT only for that portion of CONSULTANT's
services which are of direct and immediate benefit to CITY as such determination may be made by
the City Manager acting in the reasonable exercise ofhislher discretion. The following Sections will
survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement: 14, 15, 16, 19.4,20, and 25.
19.5. No payment, partial payment, acceptance, or partial accepta,nce by CITY will
operate as a waiver on the part of CITY of any of its rights under this Agreement.
SECTION 20. NOTICES.
All notices hereunder will be given in writing and mailed, postage prepaid, by
certified mail, addressed as follows:
To CITY: Office of the City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
Post Office Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
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" '_.
With a copy to the Purchasing Manager
To CONSULTANT: Attention of-Jim Clark, Vice President,
at the address of CONSULTANT recited above
SECTION 21. CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
21.1. In accepting this Agreement, CONSULTANT covenants that it presently has
no interest, and will not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, financial or otherwise, which would
conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the Services.
21.2. CONSULTANT further covenants that, in the performance of this Agreement,
it will n<;>t employ subconsultants, contractors or persons having such an interest. CONSULTANT
certifies'that no person who has or will have any financial interest under this Agreement is an officer
or employee of CITY; this,provision will be interpreted in accordance with the applicable provisions
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and the Government Code of the State of California.
21.3. If the Project Manager determines that CONSULTANT is a "Consultant" as
that term is defined by the Regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission, CONSULTANT
shall be required and agrees to file the appropriate financial disclosure documents required by the
Palo Alto Municipal Code and the Political Reform Act. .
SECTION 22 .. NONDISCRIMINATION. As set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code section
2.30.510, CONSULTANT certifies that in the performance of this Agreement, it shall not
discriminate in the employment of any person because of the race, skin color, gender, age, religion,
disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, housing status, marital status, familial status,
weight or height of such person. CONSULTANT acknowledges that it has read and understands the
provisions of Section 2.30.510 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code relating to Nondiscrimination
Requirements and the penalties for violation thereof, and agrees to meet all requirements of Section
2.30.510 pertaining to nondiscrimination in employment.
SECTION 23. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING AND ZERO WASTE
REQUIREMENTS. CONSULTANT shall comply with the City's Envirom;nentally Preferred
Purchasing policies which are available at the City's Purchasing Department, incorporated by
reference and may be amended from time to time. CONSULTANT shall comply with waste
reduction, reuse, recycling and disposal requirements of the City's Zero Waste Program. Zero Waste
best practices include first minimizing and reducing waSte; second, reusing waste and third~ recycling or composting waste. In particular, Consultant shall comply with the following zero waste
requirements:
• All printed materials provided by Consultant to City generated from a personal
computer and printer including but not limited to, proposals, quotes, invoices,
reports, and public education materials, shall be double .. sided and printed on a
minimum of 300/0 or greater post-consumer content paper, unless otherwise approved
by the City's Project Manager. Any submitted materials printed by a professional
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printing company shall be a minimum of30% or greater post-consumer material and
printed with vegetable based inks.
• Goods purchased by Consultant on behalf of the City shall be purchased in
accordance with the· City's Environmental Purchasing Policy including but not
limited to Extended Producer Responsibility requirements for products and
packaging. A copy of this policy is on file at the Purchasing Office.
• Reusable/returnable pallets shall be taken back by the Consultant, at no additional
cost to the City, for reuse or recycling. Consultant shall provide documentation from
. the facility accepting the pallets to veri~ that pallets are not being disposed.
SECTION 24. NON-APPROPRIATION
24.1. This Agreement is subject to the fiScal provisions of the Charter of the City of
Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Municipal Code. This Agreement will terminate without any penalty (a)
at the end of any fiscal year in the event that funds are not appropriated for the following fiscal year,
or (b) at any tune within a fiscal year in the event that funds are only appropriated for a portion of the
fiscal year and funds for this Agreement are no longer available. This section shall take precedence
in the event of a ~onflict with any other covenant, term, condition, or provision of this Agreement.
SECTION 25. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
25.1. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State ofCalifomia.
25.2. In the event that an action is brought, the parties agree that trial of such action
will be vested exclusively in the state courts of California in the County of Santa Clara, State of
California.
25.3. The prevailing party in any action brought to enforce the provisions of this
Agreement may recover its reasonable costs and attorneys' fees expended in connection with that
action. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover an amount equal to the fair market value of
legal services provided by attomeysemployed by it as well as any attorneys' fees paid to third
parties.
25~4. This document represents the entire and integrated agreement between the
parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and contracts, either written or oral.
This document may be amended only by a written instrument, which is signed by the parties.
25.5. The covenants~ terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement will apply
to, and will bind~ the heirs, successors, executors, administrators, assignees, and consultants of the
parties.
25.6. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or rules that any proyision of this
Agreement or any amendment thereto is void or unenforceable, the unaffected provisions of this
Agreement and any amendments thereto will remain in full force and effect.
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25.7. All exhibits referred to in this Agreement and any addenda, appendices,
attachments, and schedules to this Agreement which, from time to time, may be referred to in any
duly executed amendment hereto are by such reference incorporated in this Agreement and will be
deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
25.8 If, pursuant to this contract with CONSULTANT, City shares with
CONSULTANT personal information as defined in California Civil Code section 1798.81.5( d) about
a California resident ("Personal Information"), . CONSULTANT shall maintain reasonable and
appropriate security procedures to' protect that Personal Information, and shall inform City
immediately upon learning that there has been a breach in the security'ofthe system or in the security
of the Personal Information. CONSULTANT shall not use Personal Infonnation for direct marketing
purposes without City's express written consent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have by their duly authorized
representatives executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
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EXHIBIT "A"
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The key element of the work plan is urban forest sustainability. CONSULTANT shall-use the
model for sustainable urban forests developed by HortScience, Inc. as the starting point,
modifying it to provide Palo Alto with a community specific template for managing its urban
forest and monitoring its sustainability. In so doing, CONSULTANT shall meet all of the
project's objectives, respond to the each of the requested services and provide the project
deliverable.
The model of urban forest sustainability arose from a national project that HortScience
prepared for the USDA Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory
-Council. The model describes 20 criteria essential to a sustainable urban forest. These
criteria fall into three broad categories (Table 1, below): characteristics of the vegetation in the
community., the community framework, and resource management. For each criterion, the model
describes levels of performance -indicators that can be used to assess the current condition. The
model was tested for over 20 cities in the U.S., and has been adapted for use in a number of
countries, states and communities. For example., the model is one of the foundational elements
of Sacramento Tree Foundation's Greenprint Initiative.
CONSULTANT's project approach is based on adapting the model of urban forest sustainability
to Palo Alto, using the following steps:
1. Compile policies and information about Palo Alto's urban forest, leading to
analysis of the current statns, chaUenges and opportunities.
1.1 City Policies & Documents
• Comprehensive Plan (relevant sections).
• Municipal Code (tree & zoning sections).
• Tree Technical Manual.
• Climate Protection Plan.
• USDA N. Calif. Coast Community Tree Guide.
• Cal Green.
• California PUC Section 4799.06 .. 4799.12.
• Utilities Department tree management program.
• Palo Alto Sustainability plan. Identify the key connections to the City's
urban forest and its management.
• Tree management (public, private, utility) funding status and history.
• Other City policies, procedures, agreements that relate to tree and urban
forest management.
• Evaluate current and proposed use of recycled water for landscape
irrigation.
• Summarize findings (including where modifications / changes may be
required).
• California PUC Section 4799.06-4799.12.
• Utilities Department tree management program.
• Palo Alto Sustainability plan. Identify the key connections to the City's
urban forest and its management.
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• Tree management (public, private, utility) funding status and' history.
• Other City policies, procedures, agreements that relate to tree and urban
forest management.
• Evaluate current and proposed use of recycled water for landscape
Irrigation.
• Swnmarize findings (including where modifications I changes may be
required). California PUC Section 4799.06-4799.12.
• Utilities Department tree management program.
• PaIo Alto Sustainability plan. Identify the key connections to the City's
urban forest and its management.
• Tree management (public, private, utility) funding status and history.
• Qther City policies, procedures~ agreements that relate to tree and urban
forest manage~ent.
• Evaluate current and proposed use of recycled water for landscape
irrigation.
• Summarize findings (including where modifications I changes may be
required).
1.2 Department interviews
• Working with the project team, identify participants to interview, prepare
background information related to urban forest and tree management.
, Prep (id participants, prepare script).
• Summarize fmdings in the context of several questions. Who manages I
interacts with trees in Palo Alto? What conflicts exist between public
agencies with respect to tree management? What opportunities exist?
• Develo~p recommendations, using relevant examples, for improvement.
1.3 Public Tree Inventory
• Confer with the city's urban forestry staff to review the current tree
management effort, how the inventory is used, strengths and
weaknesses of the existing information, and any needed changes.
• Review current status of TreeKeeper. Evaluate and analyze results.
• Review plan for STRATUM I iTree Streets analysis of existing public
trees. Evaluate and analyze results.
• Review California Urban Forest Council Urban Forest Master Plan
Toolkit for ways to incorporate into Palo Alto's plan.
1.4 Preferred Tree Species list
• Evaluate existing list with reference to tolerance to drought & recycled
water.
• Modify existing list to reflect changes including expansion of criteria for
use.
• Prepare revised I expanded list.
1.5 Urban forest assessment
• Research methods to assess existing and historical tree canopy
coverage in Palo Alto.
• Research cost and requirements to undertake UFORE I iTree Eco
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analysis in Palo Alto.
• Summarize findings with a goal of providing a historical comparison of
existing tree
2. Create Urban 'Forest Sustainability t~ol for Palo Alto. .
• Assess the existing model in the context of Palo
Alto's specific situation. Identify current research and tools applicable to a
sustainable urban forest in Palo Alto suc~ as LEED programs, the Sustainable
'Sites Initiative, ~nd California's 20x2020 Water Conservation Plan.
Incorporate into the model. Discuss changes with City staff to assess
practicality .
• Create a revised model of urban forest su~tainability specific to the City
of Palo Alto~ Modify the model's criteria and performance indicators to
reflect the local conditions. Verify revisions with the project team.
• Test the Palo .Alto model to establish the current state of sustainability.
To the .extent possible, reflect on the process by which Palo Alto reached
this condition. Identify opportunities and constraints for enhancing urban forest
sustainability in the short-and long-tenn.
• Review findings with the project team. Revise model as needed.
Provide examples of the model's use in urban forest management (as
noted in the Project Deliverable section of the RFP).
• Provide the sustainability tool in a format that can be updated/modified
by the City 'qf Palo Alto.
3. Enhance Public and Private Tree Management
• Identify key issues with project team, based on the analysis of City-wide
policies and procedures.
• Project team to provide situations/topics where inter-department
protocols are needed.
• Develop draft protocols to address existing challenges.
• Review current draft of Public Tree Management Plan and current edition
. of Tree Technical Manual. Suggest new topics based on results from
Task # 1.1 and 1.2.
4. Public Outreach and Coordination
• Working with the project team, develop outreach strategy, identify
stakeholders and plan for meetings.
• Develop Fact Sheet(s) / Information Brochure(s) regarding managing a
sustainable urban forest. Possible target audiences include citizens,
institutionalland .. owners, retail nursery and garden centers, and the
development community.
• Consult with City's sustainability manager re: incorporating fmdings into
City policies & website.
• Create two web pages dedicated to the Urban Forest Management Plan
and regarding trees in Palo Alto in general (species, numbers, history, with
information on how community members can support it). .
• Prepare a template' and draft powerpoint presentation for the project
team's review.
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• Undertake two study sessions with the Palo Alto's City Council
5. Develop Urban Forest Master Plan
• Prepare a detailed sunimary of Palo Alto's Sustainable Urban Forest
model with criteria and performance indicators specific to the community
and practical in nature. The final model will be one that can be modified
over time, utilizing new information as well as results of management
decisions.
• IndentifY the sustainable urban forest "scorecard" as the monitoring model to
. be used by City departments and stakeholders with respect to urban forest
management. The scorecard serves as a tool for assessing how decisions
influence urban· forest sustainability.
• Finalize Preferred Species List.
• Incorporate the findings into a draft report to be enhanced by CirclePoint
who will: 1) translate/modify technical text to a
non-technical form, 2) standardize text with the City's Sustainability Plan, 3)
enhance plan layout and design and 4) copyedit the document.
• Incorporate cofrunents from the Palo Alto project team (prior to further
circulation).
• Incorporate comments from City departments, elected officials and other
stakeholders (distribution to be determined by project team).
• Finalize document. Provide an electronic copy in a format that can be used by
the City.
6. Manage the project
• Attend a kick-off meeting with project team.
• Attend progress meetings with City of Palo Alto team (10 over the courseof the
project).
• Conduct internal team meetings (4 over the course of project).
• Provide for internal management.
The model incorporates the project's objectives and deliverable in a direct and comprehensive
manner. At the end of the project, the City of Palo Alto will possess to well-founded, locally-
adapted tool to assess the current state of its urban forest, provide steps to move forward, and
allow re-assessment in the future.
Table 1:
c===. ________________ T_a~b~l~e~1~.C~r~it~e~ria~fo~r~a~S~u~s~ta~i~na~b~le~U~rb~a~n_F~o~~~s~t_. __________________ ~
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Vegetation Resource.
Canopy cover
Age -distribution of
trees
Species mix
Native vegetation
Community Framework
Public agency cooperation
Private and institutional
land owners
Green industry cooperation
Neighborhood action
Citizen -government -
business
General awareness of trees
Regional cooperation
Resource Management
City-wide management plan
City-wide Funding
City Staffing
Assessment Tools
Protection of Existing
Trees
Species and Site selection
Standards for Tree Care
Citizen Safety
Recycling
Achieve climate-appropriate tree cover,
community-wide.
Provide for uneven age distribution.
Provide for species diversity.
Maintain the biological integrity of
native remnant forests.
Maintain wildlife corridors to and from
the city.
Insure all city departments operate with
common goals and objectives.
Large private landholders embrace city-
wide goals and objectives through
specific resource management plans.
The green industry operates with high
professional standards and commits to
city-wide goals and objectives.
At the neighborhood level, citizens
understand and, participate in'urban
forest management.
All constituencies in the community
interact for the benefit of the urban
forest.
The general public understands the value
of trees to the community.
Provide for cooperation and interaction
among neighboring communities and
regional groups.
Develop and implement a management plan
for trees on public and private
property.
Develop and maintain adequate funding to
implement a city-wide management plan.
Employ and train adequate staff to
implement a city-wide management plan.
Develop methods to collect information
about the urban forest on a routine
basis.
Develop methods to collect information
about the urban forest on a routine
basis.
Provide guidelines and specifications
for species use, on a context-defined
basis.
Adopt and adhere to professional.
standards for tree care.
Maximize public safety with respect to
trees.
Create a closed system for tree waste.
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November 2010
D~c~mber 2010
January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
July 2011
EXHIBIT·B
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
Project team assembles background documents.
Project team consults with City staff and elected leaders
regarding the proj~ct, interviews, protocol topics, web page
design, and study sessions. Project approved by Council.
Kick-off meeting (week of November 29).
Review documents. Priority to be determined by project
team. Develop survey draft. Prepare first inter,,:,
department protocol. Schedule interviews. Research
urban forest assessment information.
Conduct inter-department interviews (after January 12).
Use draft protocol as point of departure. ~ummarize
findings. Create list of recommendations including
protocol topics. In1tial review of Tree Technical Manual &
Public Tree Management Plan. Summarize analysis and
recommendations. Present draft sustain ability model for
project team review_ Review urban forest assessment
findings. Determine next steps.
First study session with Council. Review project and scope.
Discuss urban forest sustainability model and protocols.
Send protocols for inter~department review.
Present draft Urban Forest Management Plan to project
team for review. Includes Tree Species list.
Present revised draft Urban Forest Management Plan for
review. Present draft brochurel information sheet.
Finalize Urban Forest Management Plan.
Second study session with Counci1~ Present Plan.
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EXlHBIT "e"
COMPENSATION
The CITY agrees to compensate the CONSULTANT for professional services performed in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and completed to the reasonable
satisfaction of the CITY, as described in Exhibit A, Scope of Services, a fixed, not-to-exceed
price for professional services of One Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Four
Dollars ($159,604.00). The budget is based on the following task costs:
·1. Compile policies and infomlation about Palo Alto's urban forest, leading to
. analysis of the current status, challenges and opportunities.
1.1 City Policies & Documents
1.2 Department interviews
1.3 Public Tree Inventory
1.4 Preferred Tree Species list
1.5 Urban forest assessment
2. Urban Forest Sustainability tool for Palo Alto.
3. Inter-department protocols for tree management.
4. Public Outreach and Coordination.
5. Utban Forest Master Plan.
6. Project management.
Sub-total, labor
Estimated expenses (10%)
Budget Total
$43,940
$ 7,520
$15,770
$33,530
$32,230
$21,640
$154,630
$4,974
$159,604
Fee of$1,200 per meeting is based on attendance by Jim Clark, project manager and lead
consultant.
CITY reserves tbe right, at its option, to move budgeted money from one task to
another Task, as the City's Project Manager deems necessary. CONSULTANT can
only reallocate Funds from one task to another upon receiving approval from City's Project
Manager.
CONSULTANT agrees to complete all Basic Services, including reimbursable expenses,
within this amount. Any work performed or expenses incurred for which payment would
result in a total exceeding the maximum amount of compensation set forth herein shall be at
no cost to the CITY.
Reimbursables
Reimbursables shall include, but are not limited to, the cost of copying plans, outreach
materials, postage, signage or other items not included herein. Travel, computer and phone
charges shall be considered as included in the CONSULTANT overhead costs. Any needed
office ~paces or related supplies shall be provided by CONSULTANT and shall be considered
to be included in the Scope of Services above.
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EXHIBIT "e .. l"
ScliEDULE OF RATES
The following hourly rates are effective through December 31,2010 and subject to
escalation in January 2011.
FIRM
HortScience, Inc.
CirclePoint
POSITION
Professionals
Principal
Consultant
Arborist
Technician
Clerk
Principal
Senior Project Manager
Project Manager
Senior Associate
Associate
Assistant/Coordinator
Clerical
Creative & supportive services
Creative Service Director
Art Director
Senior Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
CopywriterlEditor
IT Director
IT Support
Accounting M'anager
Accounting Clerk
Related Services & Reimbursables
Copies In House $0.10 per page
HOURLY RATES
$165
$140
$85
$85
$40
$240
$180
$140
$120
$95
$75
$60
$200
$150
$85
$70
$100
$175
$75
$130
$70
Color Prints/Transparencies
Duplication -
In House $1.50 .. $1.75 per copy
Outsourced at cost
Faxes
Postage at cost
Phone at cost
Mileage Per IRS Allowable
Vendor & Sub-consultant Services
$0.60 per page
10% mark up for administration
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EXHIBIT "D"
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
CONTRACTORS TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO (CITy). AT THEIR SOLE EXPENSE, SHALL FOR THBTERM OF THECONTRAcr OBTAIN
AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE IN THE AMOUNTS FOR THE COVERAGE SPECiFIED BELOW. AFFORDKD BY COMPANIES WITIIAM
. BEST'S KEY RATING OF A~:VII. OR H1GHER. LICENSED OR AUTHORIZED TO TRANSACT INSURANCE BUSINESS IN THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA. .
AWARD IS CONTINGENT ON COMPLIANCE WITH CITY'S INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS AS SPECIFIED BELOW' . .
MINIMUM LIMITS
REQUIRED TYPE OF COVERAGE REQUIREMENT EACH
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
OCCURRENCE AGGREGATE
WORKER'S COMPENSATION STATUTORY
EMPLOYER'S LlABlLlTY STATUTORY
BODILY INJURY $1.000,000 $1,000,000
GENERAL LIABILITY, IN~Lt:JDINO
PERSONAL INJURY. BROAD FORM PROPERTY DAMAGE $1,000,000 $1,000,000
PROPERTY DAMAGE BLANKET
CONTRACfUAL, AND FIRE LEGAL BODILY INJURY & PROPERTY DAMAGE $1,000,000 $1,000,000
LIABH..ITY COMBlNED.
BODILY INJURY $1.000.000 $1,000,000 -EACH PERSON $1,000,000 $1,000,000 -EACH OCCURRENCE $1,000,000 $1,000,000
AUTOMOBll..E LlABILITY. INCLUDING
ALL OWNED. HIRED, NON-OWNED PROPERTY DAMAGE $1,000,000 $1,000.000
BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY $1,000.000 $1,000,000
DAMAGE, COMBINED
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY, INCLUDlNO,
ERRORS AND OMfSSIONS.
MALPRACTICE (WHEN APPLICABLE),
AND NEGLIGENT PERFORMANCB ALL DAMAGES $1.000,000
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO IS TO BE NAMED AS AN ADDITIONAL INSURED: CONTRACTOR, AT ITS SOLE COST AND EXPENSE,
SHALL OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN, IN FULL FORCE AND BFFECfTHROUOHOUTTHE ENTlRETERMOF ANY RESULTANT AGREEMENT.
THE INSURANCE COVERAGE HEREIN DESCRIBED, INSURING NOT ONLY CONTRACTOR AND ITS SUBCONSULTANTS, IF ANY. BUT
ALSO, WITH TIlE EXCEPTION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION, EMPLOYER'S LIABILITY AND PROFESSIONALlNSURANCE~NAMING
AS ADDITIONAL INSUREDS CITY, ITS COUNCIL MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES.
1. 1NSURANCE COVERAGE MUST INCLUDE:
A. A PROVISION FOR A WRITtEN THIRTY DAY ADVANCE NOTICE TO CITY OF CHANGE IN
COVERAGE OR OF COVERAGE CANCELLATION; AND
B. A CONTRACTUAL LIAB1LITY ENDORSEMENT PROV1DING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR
CONTRACTOR'S AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY CITY.
C. DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF $5,000 REQUIRE CITY'S PRIOR APPRO V AL.
II. CONTACTOR MUST SUBMIT CERTIFICATES(S) OF INSURANCE EVIDENCING REQUIRED COVERAGE.
III. ENDORSEMENT PROVISIONS, WITH RESPECT TO THE INSURANCE AFFORDED TO "ADDITIONAL
INSUREDS"
A. PRIMARY COYERAGE
WITH RESPECT TO CLA1MS ARISING OUT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE NAMED INSUREDt INSURANCE AS
AFFORDED BY THIS POLICY IS PRIMARY AND IS NOT ADDITIONAL TO OR CONTRIBUTlNG WITH ANY OTHER
INSURANCE CARRIED BY OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ADDITIONAL INSUREDS.
B. CROSS LIABILITY
THE NAMING OF MORE THAN ONE PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION AS INSUREDS UNDER THE POLICY SHALL
NOT, FOR THAT REASON ALONE, EXTINGUISH ANY RIGHTS OF THE INSURED AGAINST ANOTHER, BUT THIS
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ENDORSEMENT, AND THE NAMING OF MULTIPLE INSUREDS. SHALL NOT INCREASE THE TOT AI.. LIABILITY OF
THE COMPANY UNDER THIS POLICY.
C. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
1. IF THE POLICY IS CANCELED BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE FOR ANY REASON OTHER
THAN THE NON-PAYMENT OF PREMIUM, 1lIE ISSUING COMPANY SHALL PROVIDE CITY
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Journal of Arboriculture 23(1 ): January 1997 Attachment B11
A MODEL OF URBAN FOREST. SUSTAINABILITY
by James R. Clark, Nelda P. Matheny, Genni Cross and Victoria Wake
Ab8tract. We present a model for the development of
sustainable urban forests. The model applies general
princlple8 of 8ustainablllty to urban tre9S and forests. The
central tenet of the model is that sustainable urban forests
require a heallhy tree and forest resouroe, community-wide
support and a comprehensive management approach. For
eaoh of these components, we present criteria and Indloators
for assessing their status at a given point in time. The most
sfgnlflcant outoome of a sustainable urban forest fs to maintain
a maximum level of net environmental. ecological, 80clal. and
economic benefits over time.
Creation and management of urban forests to
achieve sustalnabitfty is the long .. term goal of urban
foresters. The notion of' sustainability in urban
forests is po.orly defined In both scope and
application. Indeed, the question of how to define
eustainabillty, and even whether it oan be defined,
is an open one (9, 12). At a simple leve), "a
sustainable system Is on'8 which survives or
persists" (5). In the context of urban forests, such
a system would have continuity over time In a way
that provides maximum benefits from the
functioning of that forest.
Since there is no defined end point for
sustalnabillty, we assess sustainabHity by looking
backwards, in a comparative manner (5). In urban'
forests, we measure the number of trees removed
against those replanted or regenerated naturally.
In so doing, we assess progress towards a system
that "survives or persists." Therefore, our Ideas of
sustainability are "really predictions about the
future or about systems •.. (5)." .
This paper presents a working model of
sustainabllity for urban forests. We describe
,specific criteria that can ~e used to evaluate
sustainabifity, as wen as measurable indicators that
allow ·assessment of those oriteria. In so doing,
we accept sustainabillty as a process rather than
a goal. As suggested by Kaufmann and Cleveland
(12) and Goodland (5), we consider social and
economic factors as well as natural science.
Goodland believed that "general sustainabllity will
come to be based on all three aspects" (social,
economic and environmental), Maser (14)
described sustaf~abi'ity as the "overlap between
what is ecologically possible and what is Socjetally
desired by the cur~ent generation", recognizing that
both will change over time.
Therefore, our approach Integrates the resource
(forests and their component trees). with the people
who benefit from them. In so dOing, we
acknowledge the complexity of both the resource
itself and the m.anagement programs that influence
it. We also .recognlze that communities will vary In
both the ecologioal possibilities and societal
desires.
Defining SU8talna~I.llty
In developing a model of susta1nable urban .
forests, we first examined how other sustainable
systems were defined and described. Although
we have concentrated on forest systems, other
examples were considered. While some prinCiples.
of sustainable systems were directly applicable to
urban forests, others require modification or were
in conflict with the nature of urban forests and
forestry. .
T~e Brundtland Commission Report (21) has
g~merally setved as the starting point for disQu8sion
about sustainable syatems. It defined sustainable
forestry as:
"Sustainable fores.try means manag.ing our
forests to meet the n~eds of the present without
compromising the ability of future .generatlons to
meet their own needs by practicing a land
stewardShip ethic which . Integrates the growing,
nurturing and harvesting of trees for useful
products with the 9Qnservatlon of soli, air. and
waterqualily, and wildlife and.flsh habltat.1t
Both Webster (22) and Wiersum (23) examined
this deflnitiQn from the perspective of forest
management. They recognized that issues of what
is to be sustained and how sustainability Is to be
implemented are unresolved. Wiersum ( 23)
acknowledged the historical focus on sustaining
yield and Its recent broadening to sustainable
management. Webster (22) suggested a need for
focus on the issue of scale: the size of the area or
space to be Included.
Further refinements in the Brundtland
Commission's definition of sustainability were
made by Salwasser (16) and Sample (17).
Salw8sser (16) described sustainability as:
"Sustainabllfty means the ability to produce andl
or malrita,ln '8 desired set of cQnditions or things
f.or some time into the future, not necessarily
forever." .
Salwasser (16) included environmental,
economic and community' based components,
acknowledging that sustainability is not simply a
resource maHer. He also stressed that the goals
and objectiv~s for forest' management cannot
exceed the biological capacity of the resource, now
and Into the future.
Sample (17) focused more closely on forest
management, emphasizing' the need for shared
vision among diverse property owners. hi a
workshop on ecosystem management, Sample
described sustainable forestry as:
"Management and p ractioes which are
sln'l'ulta"neously environmentally sound,
eoonomlca1ly viable and soolally responsible!'
Some defi'nitions of sustainable forests are not '
directly applicable to urban settings. For example,
the description presented at the conference on
~ustainable' Forestry (18) included comments
aboUt capacity for self· renewal. Since regeneration
of urban forests must occur in a directed. location ..
specific manner, use of such a definition is
inappropriate.
'Other definitions consider ,the goal of
sustainable forests in a manner inconsistent with
our conCept of urban forests. Thompson st al. (20)
described sustalnability as "programs that yield
"desired environmental and eoonomic benefits
wlth'out wasteful, Inefficient design and practices. tJ
While these authors were interested in urban
settings, their approach was limited to municipal
forestry programs rather than city-wide processes
or results. Dehgf et al. (6) focused on California's
native Monterey pine forest and restricted their
definition of sustainability to that system.
Clark at al.: Urban Forest Sustalnability,
Moreover, their interest was limited to sustaining
the "natural dynamic genetic process." In another:
approach, the American Forest and Paper
Association's Sustainable Forestry Initiative (1) is
largely aimed ,at Industrial forest practice and
products. This focus on industrial forestry seems
largely incompatible with urban environments.
Given the examples noted above, the role of
humans in sustainable systems (including fore~ts)
is generally accepted. However, Botkin and Talbot
(2) (as criticized by Webster)' argued that
sustainable develop'ment of tropical forests
requires non"disturbance by humans. Again, thf$
idea is incompatible with urban forests.
Applying Concepts of Sustainable Foreata to
Urban Forests
In moving the concepts of sustainable
development of forests towards implementation
and practice. Webster (22) raised several
significant questions. We have considered thes~
questions from the urban forest perspective:
What objects1 conditions, and values are to be '
sustained?
In urban areas, we focus on sustaining net
benefits of trees and forests at the broadest level.
We are sustaining environmental quality, resource
conservation, economic development,
psychological health, wildlife habitat, and social
welll"being.
What is the range of forest activities tnst
contribute to sustainable development?
Simply put, urbanforestsrequira a broad set
of activities,. from management of both single trees
and large stands to education of the oommunlty
about urban forests and development of
comprehensive 'management plans.
What Is the, geographic scsle at which
sustainable -development can be most usefully
applied?
Political borders do n01 respect biology (and
vice versa). Principles of ecosystem management
argue for a scale based on ecological boundaries
such as watersheds. However, cities form disorete
pOlitical, economic and SOCial units. We must
respect the reanty that political borders may be
more significant to management than ecological
boundaries. Urban forestry programs work within
JotJrnal"of Arboriculture 23(1): January 1997
this geographical framework.
For this projeot and model, we have chosen to
focus on the city and Its geographic limits. While
this'approac~ may vlo1ate some of the biological
realities of forest stands, It logically reflects the
jurisdiotional boundaries and typical management
units found in cities. The more common alternative
approach, working with ecosystems, is not without
problems of definition and scale (7).
What is the relationship 'of sustainable
development for (urban forests) to new technology;
effectively applied research and Investment in
forest management?
Urban forests stand to benefit tremendously
from new technology, information and investment.
Not only wlll 'the ability to ,select and grow trees in
cities be enhanced, but the ability to quantify the
benefits accrued by their presence will expand. ,
Wiersum (23) provided an In-depth look at
sustainability in forest systems, noting the long
hist6ry of the concept in forest practice. Many
_ would argue that the concept of sustained yield Is
not equivalent to sustainable development. Gatto
"(9) discusses this fact at length. However, Wiersum
(23) observed the evolution of forest sustain ability
, towards multiple use, biological diversity, mitigating
climate change and socioeconomic dimensions.
Wiersum summarized four concepts involved with
sustainable forest management as maintenanoe
or sustenance of:
• forest eoological oharacteristlcs
• yields of useful forest products and
services for human benefit
• human Institutions that are forest-
dependent
• human Institutions that ensure forests are
proteoted against negative external
institutions.
A similar perspective on s·ustainable forest
management (13) described the measurable
criteria as:
• desired ,future condition (the vision of the
forest In the future)
• sustained yield
• ecosystem maintenance
• community (city) stability
. 19
Keene (13) also noted that these prinCiples can
be practiced in traditional forest management.
Products derived from forests in which sustainable
forest management is practioed may reoeive a
third-party certification as such, In a manner similar
to certification of organioally-grown produce.
Maser, (14), Wiersum (23) and Charles (4) all
argued that a sustainable forest would include
biological, ,social' and economio issues. For
example, from' the perspective of a fishery
resource, sustainabllity is the simultaneous pursuit
of ,ecological, socioeconomic, community an.d
instItutional g08Is'(4). In Maser's view of ecological
sustainabillty, the goals and needs of society must
reffect the potential of the resource to meet them.
This idea may be universal for sustainable
development and must certainly be for urban
forests.
, This approach can' be directly applied to Cities,
for we, want urban forests to contribute to
environmental, economic ~nd social well .. belng.
We need notsaorlfice one goal in pursuit of
another. Trees reduce atmospheric contaminants
at the same· time that they enhance community
well·belng. While there may be conflicts in specific
situations (eg. planting trees under utility lines or
using invasive species), in general, all of the broad
goals for urban forest 8ustainability are compatible
with the others. ' In this sense, when we focus on
appropriate management of trees and urban
forests, where management activities take place
with communlty .. supported goals and objectives,
we focus on sustaining a broad range of values.
We also concur with Charles' (4) oonclusion
tha~ sustainabUity can only ~e achieved when:
• Contrails looal (for fisheries, community
and region-wide)
• Management Is adaptive, recognizing the
dynamic resource and its complexity
• Property rights are respected
In summary, a wide range of definitions for
sustainable development have been derived from
the original concept of the Brundtland Commission.
No universally accepted derivation has arisen for
forestry. Despite this problem, progress has been
made in identifying criteria and markers for
success.
20
Characteristics of Urban Forest
Suetainability
Given the general characteristics of sustainable
.systems and the specUic nature of urban forests,
wetdentlfled 4 principles to which any model of
sustainability mu~t adhere.
. 1. SUltalnablllty Is a broad, general goal.
While we .may be able to describe the desired
functlons.of a sustainable urban forest, we cannot
yet design the forest to optimize them. A1though we know ti')at urban forests act to reduce
atmospheric' contaminants, we do not yet know
how. t~: design those forests to maximize that
funetlo·n. However, we accept that existing urban
forest~ provide these functions to some degree.
Trees in citi~s serve to improve community well·
being, rep~ce the urban heat island, eliminate
contaminants from the atmosphere, etc. While
there are costs involved tn planting, maintaining
and removing trees in cities, In a sustainable urban
forest the net bens'flts provided by these functions
are gr~ater than the costs associated with caring
for the forest; A sustainable urban forest provides
con~nultY of these net benefits over tir,ne and
th~ugh space. We therefore have decl«;jed to
recognize the ge.neral character of sustainable
sY$tems and develop steps that form such a
system in urban areas.
2. ',Urban foreats primarily provide services
rather than goods. Descriptions of sustainable'
systems usually focus on the goods that system
provides.le. sustained yield. Forests' provide fuel
and fiber, agronomic systems provide food and
flber,fishQrles provide food, etc. In such examples,
goods. are the primary output.
In contr~stJ goods comprise a rather limited
output of 'the urban forests. The most Important
outputs are services, such as reducing
environmental contamination (from removing
atmospheric gases to moderating storm water
runoff), improving water quality, reducing energy
consumption, providing social and psychological
well-being, providing for wildlife habitat, etc. These
services, or benefits, are provided in two ways: 1)
direct (shading an individual home, raising the
value 'of a residential property) and 2) indirect
(enhancIng the wen .. belng of community residents).
In planting and maintaining SUstainable urban
Clark at a1.: Urban Forest Sustainabllity
forests, we should strive for a balance among all
benefl.s and not maximize the output of one
service at the expense of all others. For example,
one of the benefits that urban forests provlde is
wildlife habitat. Maintaining the largest wildlife
habitat possible could conflict with other servloes,
such as limiting eoonomio development fro.m
property development or creating oonfllots with
humans. .
3. S~stalnable urban foreats require human
lrit.rvention. One of the wonderful characteristics
of natural systems is. their oapacity for self~'
maintenance. Sustainable forests, farms and
fisheries take advantage. of this fact by harvesting
some limited segment of the resource. often with
a 'period of .rest to allow renewal and replacement. .
The Brundtland Commission Report (21), Maser
(14) and Charles (4) emphasized this critiQal
aspect of the resource to be sustained. For
example, Goodland (10) defined environmental
sustalnability as "maintenance of natural capital."
Maser noted that a biologically sustainable forest
is the foundation for all other aspects of a
~ustainable system. In forestry, there can be no
sustainable yield, sustainable industry. sustainable
community or sustainable society without a
biologically sustainable resource. As Charles put
it (for fisheries), '.'If the resource goes extinct,
nothing else matters.1t
Many (but not all) urban forests are a mosaic
of native forest remnants and planted trees. The
native remnants may have soma capacity for self-
renewal and maintenance. particularly in
greenbelts and other intact stands. However, the
planted trees have essentially no ability' to
regenerate In place. Therefore. we must accept,
acknowledge and act on the fact that urban forests
(particularly In the United States) may have a
II mited ability to retain or replace biological capital
(to use· Maser's term). This is particularly the case
when we desire that regeneration occur in a
manner appropriate for human benefits. Indeed,
unwanted tree reproduction may actually have a
net cost for control and eradication programs.
Sustainable urban forests cannot be separated
from the activities of humans. Such activity can
be both positive an~ negative. In the latter case,
creation and maintenance of urban Infrastructure
Journal of Arboriculture 23(1): January 1997
can be extremely destruotive and disruptive. In
essenoe, we supel'lmpose cities atop forests. The
greater the Imposition, the tess natural the forests
appear and f.unotlon (D. Nqwak, personal
oommunicatlon) ..
The adverse impacts of humans can be
mitigated by positive actions such as planning,
planting, and management; all occurring with
com mol') commitment and shared vision. We
cannot separate sustainable urban forests from
the people who live In and ,around them. In fact,
we want to .meld the two as muoh as possible.
The implioations of this princlpl.e are far ..
reaching. Flrst~ urban 10rests require active,
consistent, continuing management. The accrual
of net benefIts can only occur when adequate and
reasonable care Is provided. Second, tree
managers (both public and private) must involve
the surrounding community in decisions and
actions, regarding urban forests. We do not
suggest abdicating responsibility on the part of tree
managers; we' advocate sharing It.
4. Trees growing on private lands compose
the majority of urban forests. While publicly ..
owned'trees (prhnarlly In parks and along streets
and other rights~of-way) have been the long-
standing foous of urban forestry, they oomprise
only a portion of the urban forest. An estimated
60 -90% 01 the trees In urban forests in the United
States are found on privately owned land (see 19;
also G. MoPherson, pars •. communication).
Therefore, sustainable urban forests depend to a
large degree .on susta,inable private forests.
If we con'sider further that trees probably are
not .evenly distributed among all private land ..
holders, then we may also conclude that a small
number of land owners and managers may be
responsible for a large fraction of urban trees. For
example, universities, business parns, corporate
campuses, commercial real estate, autonomous
semi~pubtic agenoies. utilities, ate. may manage
large numbers of trees. The success of any effort
at sustainability must include their participation and
commitment.
However, small private landholdings,
particularly residential properties, may also
constitute a signtflcant fraction of community trees.
Their contribution to the urban forest must be
21
considered in any effort towards sustalnability.
Defining Sustainable Urban Forests.
Applying these 4 principles leads to the following
definition of a sustainable urban forest:
"The naturally QCcurring and planted trees In
cities which are managed to provide the inhabitants
with a continuing level 'of economic, social,
environmental and ecological benefits today and
Into the fut~re:'
Applying this definition in urban areas requires
accepting 3 ideas:
1. Communities must acknowledge that,clty
trees provide a,wlde range of net benefits.
Plantingfpreservlng and maintaining trees is
neither simply a good thing nor an exercise.
Rather, urban forests are essential to the current
and future health of cities and their inhabitants.
2. Given the goal of maintaining net benefits
over time, the regeneration of urban forests
requires Intervention and management by
humans. To quote David Nowak, "people want
and need to direct the renewal prooess because
natural regeneration does not meet most urban
needs:' Therefore, urban forests cannot be
sustained by nature, but by people.
3. Sustainable urban forests exist within
defined geographic and political boundaries:
those of cities. Moreover, sustainable urban
forests are composed of all trees in the community,
regardless of ownership.
A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability
Given the 3 premises listed above. we
developed a model of urban forest sustalnabillty
whioh is founded on three components: 1)
vegetation resource~ 2) a strong community
framework and 3) appropriate management of the
resource. Within each component are a number
of speclfio criteria for sustainability (see Tables 1,
2 and 3).
1. Vegetation resou ree. The vegetation
resource is the engine that drives urban forests.
Its composition, extent, distribution, and health
define the limit of benefits provided and costs
accrued. As dynamic organisms, urban forests
(and the trees that form them)' ohange over time
as they grow, mature and die. Therefore,
sustainable urban forests must possess a mix of
Journal of Arborjculture 23(1): January 1997 23
Table 2. Criteria of urban forest 8ustainablllty for the ComMunity Framework.
Public agency
cooperation
Involvement of large '
private and
institutional
I~ndholders
Green industry
cooperation
Insure aU oity
departments operate
with common goals and
objectlv~s.
Departments such as parks, public works, fl re,
planning; school districts and (public) uUiitles
should operate with common goals and objectives
regarding the city's trees. Achieving this
cooperation, requi res involvement of the city
council and city commissions.
Large private" Private landholders own and manage most of the
landholders embrace city urban forest. Their interest in, and adherence to,
wide goals and resource management plans is most likely to
.obJectlves thro~gh result from a co'mmunity .. wide understanding and
, specific resource valuing of the urb~n forest. In aU Iikelihood1 their
management plans. their cooperation and Involvement cannot be
mandated.
The green Industry From commercial growers to garden centers and
operates with high from landscape contractors to engineering
professional standards ' professionalsl the green lndustry has a
and commits to CitY .. wide tremendous Impact on the health of a clty's urban
goals and ' forest. The commitment of eaoh' segment
objectives. of this industry to high professional standards and
their support for cIty-wide goals and objectives is
necessary to ensure appropriate planning and
implementation.
Neighborhood Action At the neighborhood Neighborhoods are the building blocks of cities.
They are often the arena where individuals feel
their actions oan ma~e the biggest differenoe in
their quality of life. Since the many urban trees
are on paivate 'property (residential or
commercial). neighborhood action is a key to
level, citlzens '
understand' and
participate In urban
forest management.
Citizen -government':' All constituencies in the
business interaction community interact for
the benefit of the utban
forest
urban forest sustal n ability . .
Having public agenoles, private landholders, the
green industry and neighbo.rhood groups aU share
the same vision of the City's urban forest is a
crucial part of sustalnability. This condition is not
likely to re'sult from legislation. It wUl only
result from a shared understanding of the urban
torast1s value to the community and commitment
to dialogue and cooperation among the,
stakeholders. '
24 Clark at at: Urban Forest SustainabiUty
Table 2. Criteria of urban forest sustainability for the Community Framework (continued)
General awareness of The general public Fundamental to the' sustalnablUty of a city's urban
trees as a com'm~:nity understands the value of forest 1s the general publlc's understandIng of the
resource' . , trees to the community. value of its trees. People who value trees elect
officials who value trees. In tum, officials who
value trees are more likely
to require the ageno~es they oversee to maintain
high standards for management and provide
adequate funds for implementation.
Regional cooperation Provide for cooperation Urban forests do not recognize geographic
and interaction among boundaries •. Linking city's efforts to th.ose of
neighboring communities' ne\ghborhig communIties allows for conSideration .
and regional groups. and action on larger geographic and ecologIcal
issues (SUch as water·quality and air quality).
and social weU .. being. , .
There are costs associated with the accrual of
these benef"lts. Dead, dying' and defective trees
may fail and In)l:Are c.itizens or damage property.
Some speci~,$. may pose a health risk from
allergenic responses. b~hers may compete with
native vegetation and limit the function of naturally
occurring fragments and systems.
2.Commu.nlty 'framework. A sustainable
urban forest Is one in whieh the all parts of the
community sh~(e a.vlslon for their forest and act
to realize that yislQn throlJgh specifiC? goats and
objectives (Table 2). It Is based in neighborhoods,
public spaces. and priVate lan~s;. .
At one level. this requlr~$ .that a community
agree on ttie benefits of trees and act to maximize
them. On an~ther level,' thl~. cooperation requires
that private lando~ners acknowledge the key role
of their trees to community. health. Finany, In an
era of reduced government service, cooperation
means shariIJ9 the flnane.lal, burden of caring for
, the urban landscape~ :
3. Resource management. In many ways,
this component Is n01 simply management of the
resource but the philosophy of management as
weH (Table 3). On one hand, specific poney
vehicles to protect existing trees, manage species
selec'tion, tr.ain staff and apply standards of care
focus on .the tree resource itself. In contrast,
acceptance of a comprehensive management plan
and funding program by city government and its
constituents allows shared vision to develop.
Cities must recogn ize that management
approaches will vary as a function of the resource
and its extent. A goal of maint~inlng native wildlife
hablta~ . ~ay best be achieved. where there is a
strong native forest resource. For some cities, this
is simply not attalnab~e. Similarly, management
of the urban forest must exist in connection to the
larger landscape (such as adjacent forests). For
example, maintenance of intact riparian corridors
requires the cooperation of the managing agency
of the stream.
Achlevi.,.g. Sustainable Urban Forests. A
sustaInable urban .forest Is founded upon
communlW cooperation, quality care, continued
funding and personal involvement. It is created
and maintained th rough shared Vision and
cooperation with an ever-present focus on
maximIzing benefits and minimizing costs. Taken
together, they acknowledge the need fQr shared
vision and responsibility, for direct Intervention with
the resource and for programs of oare that are
on-going and respons1ve. The implementation of
Journal of Arboriculture 23(1); January 1997
Table 3. Criteria of urban forest sustainability for Resource Management.
City .. wide n:tsnagement Develop 81}d Implement A Gity-wide manage'ment plan will add to an urban
forest's sustainablllty by addressing Important
Issues and creating a shared vision for the futu re
of the community's urban forest. Elements may
Include: speoles and planting
plan, a management plan for'
trees ~n public and
private\ property.
Funding
Staffing
Assessment tools
Develop and maintain
adequate funding to
Implement a city-wide
management plan.
Employ and train
adequate staff to
implement a city-wide
r:nanagement plan.
guidelines; performance goals and standards for
tree care; requirements for new development
(tree preservation and planning); and
specifications for managing natural and open
space areas.
Since urban forests exist on both public and
private land. funding must be both public and
private. The amount of funding available from
both sources is often a reflection of the level of
education and awareness within a community
for the value of Its urban forest.
An urban forest's sustainability is Increased when
all city tree staffs utility and commercial tree
workers and arborlsts are adequately trained.
Cont1nulng education In addition to initial
minimum skills andlor certifications desirable.
Develop methods to l)slng canopy cover assessment, tree inventories,
coUeet Information apout aerial mapping. geographic Information systems
the u'rban forest on a and other tools, It Is possible to monitor trends in
rouUne basis. a city's urban forest resource over time.
Pr~tection of existing Conserve 'existing Protection of ~xlstlng trees and replacement of
those that are removed is most often
acoomp~;shed through polloy veh"loles.
Ordinances that specify pruning standards and/or
plaCe restrictions on the removal' of large
trees resources, planted and
natural, to ensure
maximum function.
Species andsita
selection
or other types of trees on publlo and private
property and during development are examples.
Provide guidelines and Providing good planting sites and appropriate
specifications for species trees to flU them ,is crucial to sustalnabUity.
use. on a context-Ailowlng adequate space for trees to grow and
defined basis. selecting trees that a~e compatible with the site
will reduoe the long-and short .. term
_ maintenance requirements and enhance their
longevity. AvoldJng speoies known to cause
allergenic responses Is also important In some
areas,
25 '
26, Clark et al.: Urban, Forest SustalnablUty:
Table 3. Criteria of urban foreat austainabillty for ~e8QUrc. Management (cO~tl~U8d)
Standards for tre, care Adopt and adhere ,to SustainablUty will be enhanced by adhering to the
professional standards such as the Tree Pruning
G~ldellnes (ISA) and ANSI ZiSS publications.
, profess/onal standards
for tree care.
Citizen safety
Recycling
Maximize public safety
'with respeot to trees .. ,
,In designing parks and other public spaces, public
safety should be a key factor in placement,
sleleotion, and management of trees. Regular
inspeotions for potential tree hazards is an
Important element In the management program.
Create a closed system A sustainable urban forest fs one that recycles Its
for tree waste. products by compoStlng, reusing chips as mulch
and/or fuel and ushig wood products as firewood
and lumber.
Table 4. Criteria and perf~rmance Indlqator8 for the Vegetation Resource.
Criteria
Canopy cover
Performance Indicators
LoW Moderate Good
No assessment Visuai assessment Sampling of tree
(I.e. photographic) cover using aerial
photographs.
Key Objective
Optimal
Information on Achieve cllmate.appropriate degree of tree
urban forests cover, community-wide.
Inc! uded In city-
wide geographic
Infonnatlon
system (GIS).
Age';. distribution of trees No a~G&Sm8nt
In community
Street tree
"InventorY
(complete or'
public -private Included In city· Provide for uneven age distribution.
S8!11ple)
Species mix ' No assessment Strsettree
Inventory
Native vegetatIon No program of Voluntary use on
Integration publlo projects
sampling wide geographJo
Clty·wlde
assessment of,
specIes mIx
Aequlrements for
use of native
species on a
proJect-
appropriate basis
Inronnatlon
system (GIS).
Included In clly~
wide geographic
'n'tannatlon
system (GIS),
Pres81V8lton of
regIonal
biodiversity
ProvIde for speCies diversity.
Presorve and manage regional biodiversity.
Maintain the blologlcallntegrtty Qf native .
remant forests. Maintain wildlife oorridors to
and from the city.
journal of Arboriculture 23(1): January 1997 27
, Table 5. Criteria and performance indicators for the Community Framework. '
Criteria
Public agancy
cooperation
Involvement of large
privata and Institutional
.and hold.r.
Oreen industry
cooperation
NeIghborhood action
Oltlzen .. governm,nt •
bu',iness Interacllon
Gerie,al awaltinell of
trees as community
resource
Regional cooperation
low
Conntotfng goals
among
departments
Ignorance of Issue
No cooperation
among'segments
of Industry
(nursery.
contractor.
arborlst). No
adherence 10
Industry
standards,
No action
Conflicting goals
among
constituencIes' ,
Low •• trees as
problems; a drain
on budgets
Communities
operate
independently
Performance Indicators Key Objective
Moderate
No cooperation
Education
materials and
advice available
to landMholdel'6
' General
cooperation
among nurseries -
contractors ~
arborists. eto.
Isolated and/or
limIted no. of
active groups
No InteraGtlon
among
constituencies
Mod8~le .-trees
as Important to
community
Communities
share similar
polioy vehicles
Good Optimal
Informal working Formal working Insure all Oily departments operate with
teams teams wI staff common goalS and objectives.
coordination
Clear goall for land·holden; Large private landholders embrace olty-wlde
tree resource by develop, goals and objectives through speclfio
private land· oompr.,henslve resource management plans.
hOlders; Incentives treG management
for preservatIon of
private trees
SpaclHc
oooperative
arrangements
such es purchase
oortlflcates for
right tree, right
place
Clty-wlde
ooverage and
Interaction
Informal end lor
general
cooperation
High ··trees
acknowledged to
provide
environmental
services
plans (1noludlng
funding)
Shared vision and The green,lndustry oper~tes With high
goals Including the professlonal6landards and commits to city..
use of wide goals and objectives.
professional
' standards.
All neighborhooos At the neighborhood level. citizens
organized and ul)der.iitan,d and participate in urban forest
oooperatlng mUf!8Qement.
Formal AU constituencies in the community lntemct
interaCtion. e.g.. forthe benefit ofthe urban forest.
tree board wi &taff
(loordlnatlon
Very high .. trees Tho general publlo understands the value of
, as vital trees to, the community.
components of
economy and
environment
RegIonal pfanning Regional pJanning Provide for cooperation and InteraCtion
coordination among neighboring commun1Ues and
'~nd/or , ' regional groups.
management
plans
a model for urban forest sustainabllity wou1d further
redirect the traditional orientation of urban forest
management away from" municipal trees to the mix
of public and private trees.
in this task, we have described indicators of
success for each criteria (Tables 4, 5, and 6). A
city that meets the highest level of each,indicator
for each criteria would have the best tools and
resources to achieve,sustainabillty. Achieving sustainabllity for urban forests
involves,meeting each of these criteria. To assist , Our approach ,of developing' criteria and
28 Clark et al.: Urban Forest Sustainability
Table 6. Criteria and performance Indicators for Resource Management.
Criteria Performance indicators Key Objective
Low ~oderate Good. . Optimal
City-wide management
'plan
No plao Existing plan
limited In scope , and
Govemment -wide Cllizen -Develop and implement a management plan
plan, accePted government -for trees and forests on public and pl1vate
and implemented business resource property.
I mplamentatlon management plan,
accepted and
Implemented
CIty-wide funding Funding by crisis Funding to Ad~quale funding Adequate funding. Develop and maIntain adequale funding to
management optimlte existing to provide for net prIvate and public. Implement a clly-wlde management plan.
population Incress. 10 to sustain
pop\llatlon and maximum
care potential benefits
Cltystafflng No staff No traIning ',Certified arborlsts Professional tree Employ and train adequate staff to
on staff care staff Implement city-wide management plan.
Assessl1lent tool8 No on-going Paltlallnventory Complete Information on Develop metllods to collect InformatlDn
program of Inventory' urban forests about the urban forest on 8 routfCl8 basis,
aSS9ssment
;ndlcators is patterned after that found in the
Santiago Agreement (11) which suggested ,criteria
and indicators for the conservation and
sustainability of temperate and boreal fore$ts. It
recognlied that both quantitative and qualitative
(descriptive) tndicators were needed, for not all
oriteria could be accurately measured.
Conclusions·
Maser suggested that ecological susta,inability
encompasses 4 ideals:
1. Providing a long-term balance between
~oCiety and the resource, today and in the
fu~ure. ' .
2. Seeking to Increase the overlap between
societal desires and ecological
possibilities.
3. Developing assessment tools for both the
resource and its outputs (bene,its,
services).
4. Restoring ecosystems.
Our model for urban forest ·sustainabUity
adheres to these 4 ideals, placing them in an urban
Included In CII~~
wide GIS
conte~. It recognizes the nature of society In cities
and encourages particip$tion at the broadest level.
The model also acknowledges the need to foster
regeneration, to provide for the continuity of the
resource., Management of a sustainable urban
forest ·Is based upon a shared viSion for the
resource, in which goals and needs are balanced.
Since sustainabillty is a general goal, we must be
able to· ass~ss our progress rel~tive to defined
standards .. Finally, we recognize that our actions,
through such activities as development, wilt
damage forests and their function. We accept the
responsibility of restoration.
Urban .trees 'and forests are oonsldered Integral
to the sustainability of cities as a whole (3, 8). Yet.
sustainable urban forests are not born, they are
made. They do not arise at random, but result
from' a community"wide commitment to theIr
creation and management.
Obtaining the commitment of a broad
community, of . numerous .constituencies, cannot
be dlotated' or legislated. It must arise out of
compromise and respect. While policy vehicles
such as ordinances playa role in managing the
Journal of Atboriculture 23(1): January 1997 29
Table .6. Criteria and' performance Indicator. for Resource Management (continued)
. Protection of 8xlstlng
treea
No policy vehicle Tree preservation TreG preservation InteQrated Conserve existing resources. planted and
or policy not ordinance present plan required for planning program natural. to ensure maximum function.
enforced and enforced all fOT conservation
. . proJects .... publlc, and development
private,
commercial.
residential
Species and site selection Amitrary species No consl(.leratlon Identlfleatlon/prohl On-going use of Provld$ guidelines and specifications for
adapted. hlgh~ specIes usa, IncludIng 8 mechanIsm for prohlbrtlons of undesirable bltion of
species undesirable . petfonnlng evaluallng the site,
species species with good .
site· spedes
'. ma.tch
Standards for .tre8 care None Standards for Standards for Standards pa rt of Adopt and adhere to professional standards
public trse care pruning, stock, community -wide (or tree care.
etc. for all trees ylslon
Citizen aafety CrisiS Informal Comprehenstve Safety part of cost MaxlmilB public safety with respect to trees.
management Inspections hazard (failure, -benefit program
tripping, etc.)
program
Recycling Simple disPosal Grsenwaste Green and wood Closed system -Create a olosed system tor tree waste.
(i.e. land filling) of recyollng waste reoycllng -no outside
green waste
urban forest, developing commitment is probably
more a ifunction .of education,' awareness and
positive Incentives. This may represent our most
sfgnifioant challenge: to provide information that
creates commitment and guides action.
This Is not to Ignore the budgetary requirements
for sustainable urban forests. It has tong been our
belief that if education were adequate J funding
would' soon fonow. Despite' the current state of
funding; we must hold to this perspective.
Fln$.lly, sustainable urban forests also require
a viable resource base', While urban foresters and
arborists have'long·felt confident in their ability to
sustain the· resource. we must acknowledge our
limitations as well as our strengths. The optimal
structure of urban forests, I.e,·the arrangement of
trees in. a city, (emains the subject of research.
Our. industry must strive to resolve QonflJots such
as quality of nursery stock, ~ppropriate cultural
praotices and the ma'tch between sHe
considerations and speoles selection.
reuse disposal
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Acknowledgment8~ Thanks to Greg
McPherson, Dave Nowak. Richard Rideout, Paul
Ales, Ed Macle, and Ray Tretheway for their
comments and suggestions. Funding for this
project was provided by a grant from the National
Urban and Community Forestry AdviSOry Council
th(Ough the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Urban and
Community Forestry Challenge Cost .. share
Program (No. G-5-94-20 .. 095).
HortSclence, Inc.
P.O. Box 754
Pleasanton, CA 94566
and
C.alifornia AeLefifrrhe Trust for public Land
3001 Redh~1J Avenue '
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
.. -
zU8sammenfa,sung. -Das Modell des' ~Ich
selbsterh$1tenden Stadtwaldes wendetallqemelne
Prinzipi.en de.r Selbsterhaltung auf stACttische
Blume und WAlder an. Siah selbst erhaltende
Stadtwalder erfardern sine q$Sunds Herkunft dar
Pflanzen, kommunale UnterstOtzung· und ain
umfassendes Management. Ole Kriterlen und
llidikatoren~ um dlesen Status zu OberprOfen
werden hler vorgestellt. Das'deutUchste Resultat
sines sich selbst erhaltenden Stadtwaldss be·steht .
darin, elnen··rt1axlmalen Grad an umweltbezogenen,
okologisbhen,' sozi.alen und Okonomlschen
Vorzugen zu erreichen: .