HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 7459
City of Palo Alto (ID # 7459)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Special Orders of the Day Meeting Date: 1/9/2017
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Accreditation of the Urban Forestry Program
Title: Presentation of Accreditation of the Urban Forestry Program by the
Society of Municipal Arborists
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Public Works
Urban Forestry staff pursued accreditation from the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA)
following adoption of the Urban Forest Master Plan. SMA is an affiliate organization of the
International Society of Arborists. Founded in 1964, the organization is comprised of urban
foresters and municipal arborists. Membership also includes allied professions that practice or
support some facet of municipal forestry.
SMA Accreditation is the highest recognition for municipal urban forestry programs. To obtain
this recognition takes a professional and compassionate approach to tree care. SMA accredited
programs must have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff, an approved Local Forest Master Plan, a
Tree City USA growth award certification, show private contract preference for TCIA accredited
tree care companies, adhere to ANSI standards for safety and performance, and follow SMA’s
Code of Ethics.
On April 12, 2016, staff submitted documentation regarding City of Palo Alto’s urban forestry
program plans, staff and equipment, budgets, ordinances and policies, accomplishments, Tree
City USA and Tree City USA growth awards, and contracts to SMA for consideration.
Accreditation is a peer-reviewed audit that formally recognizes urban forestry programs for
implementing excellent and comprehensive management practices. Following a rigorous peer-
review audit, the City was notified on August 7, 2016 that the urban forestry program was
awarded accreditation. With only fourteen agencies currently accredited, Palo Alto is now the
15th agency in the nation, to earn this distinction.
A representative from the Society of Municipal Arborists will attend the January 9, 2017 Council
meeting to recognize the City of Palo Alto Urban Forestry Program for the accomplishment and
present a formal award of accreditation to the Mayor, City Council, and staff.
Attachments:
Attachment A: Palo Alto SMA accreditation press release
PO Box 641, Watkinsville, GA 30677
Contact: Jerri LaHaie
Executive Director
(706) 769-7412
urbanforestry@prodigy.net
For Immediate Release
The City of Palo Alto Forestry Program Receives SMA Accreditation
Watkinsville, GA – August 22, 2016 - The City of Palo Alto, California is the latest community to
join a prestigious group of communities accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA).
SMA Accreditation is the highest honor for municipal urban forestry programs. To obtain this
honor takes a professional and compassionate approach to tree care. SMA accredited programs
must have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff, an approved Local Forest Master Plan, a Tree City
USA growth award certification, show private contract preference for TCIA accredited tree care
companies, adhere to ANSI standards for safety and performance, and follow SMA’s Code of
Ethics.
SMA President, Jeremy Barrick, congratulates City of Palo Alto Mayor Patrick Burt for his
leadership and that of the urban forestry staff, led by Walter Passmore for their outstanding
efforts in the field of urban forestry.
Communities with a growing appreciation for the value of green infrastructure are taking steps to
maintain their trees. Unlike other parts of a city’s infrastructure an urban forest can actually
increase in value. A healthy urban forest provides many benefits for cities, some of which include:
beautification, reduction of the urban heat island effect, reduction of storm water runoff, reduction
of air pollution, and reduction of energy costs through increased shade over buildings,
enhancement of property values, improved wildlife habitat, and mitigation of overall urban
environmental impact. Furthermore, research has shown that city trees can improve real estate
values, attract shoppers, improve worker productivity, reduce crime, and improve children’s
school performance.
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About SMA
The Society of Municipal Arborists (www.urban-forestry.com) is a not-for-profit
international organization of municipal arborists, urban and community foresters,
members of tree boards, tree wardens, consultants, municipal officials, and students
who are involved in the professional management of trees where over 114 million people
live, work, and play. SMA leads the world in building the confidence, competence, and
camaraderie of the family of professionals who create and sustain community forests.
Phone 706-769-7412 Fax 706-769-7412 UrbanForestry@prodigy.net www.urban-forestry.com