HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 6483
City of Palo Alto (ID # 6483)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 5/23/2016
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Urban Forest Master Plan revision
Title: Discussion and Council Direction Regarding the Urban Forest Master
Plan Draft Revisions to Goals, Policies, and Programs and Alternate Vision
Statement
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Public Works
Recommendation
Staffs recommends that Council review and provide feedback on the draft revised
Goals, Policies, and Programs chapter of the Urban Forest Master Plan
(Attachment A) and the alternate vision statement (Attachment B).
Background
In May 2015 Council adopted the Urban Forest Master Plan and directed staff to
return with a second iteration including greater discussion and emphasis on:
Native tree plant species;
Greater development of Goal Number 5;
Options for strengthening the Vision Statement;
Expanding canopy cover in South Palo Alto;
Exploration of the role of agricultural landscaping;
Expansion of the role of local environmental groups;
Support for habitat; and
Development impacts on trees.
Discussion
Over the past nine months, a stakeholder team comprised of staff,
representatives from Acterra, Audubon Society, California Native Plant Society,
Canopy, Sierra Club, former City Council members, and Palo Alto residents met
five times. The team focused on augmenting plan Goals, Policies, and Programs
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(Attachment A) to ensure staff tasked with implementing the plan receives
adequate direction. Following are highlights of the improvements.
Native Species and Support for Habitat
The health and distribution of native species are recognized components of a
healthy and functional ecosystem. Conversely exotic and invasive species can be
viewed as a hindrance to ecosystem function especially where they reduce or
diminish the quality of habitat for key indicator species.
Goal 2 was added to elevate the importance of native species and new programs
incorporated to:
Inventory existing invasive species and reduce;
Provide emergency water during severe drought;
Review existing procedures for using mulch to suppress weeds and
conserve water to ensure minimal impacts to wildlife;
Provide educational workshops about the benefits of native species;
Assess existing habitat and biodiversity; and
Develop a landscape technical manual.
One goal, five policies, and twenty programs were augmented to emphasize
support for wildlife and ecosystems and an administrative program added to
accommodate the costs of intensifying the project review process, ensuring
ecological and environmental concerns are met.
Program 2.A.iii. was modified to increase the percentage of native trees within
the street tree population to 10% within the life of this plan and 20% within 20
years, and in urban parks to 25% within the life of this plan and 50% within 20
years.
Goal 5 and Development Impacts
Expanding Goal 5 (now Goal 6) reorganized and aggregated content and added
programs resulting in several improvements, including:
Actions for implementing or changing necessary administrative processes
(6.A.i., formerly 5.1.)
Programs to:
o Analyze dewatering impacts on nearby trees
o Educate staff about community vibrancy, green spaces, and
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alternative transportation
o Develop a Landscape Technical Manual
o Develop a flexible staffing model commensurate to work load to
avoid delays in project review
The language of several programs was strengthened, including:
o Requirements for street trees in new commercial, multi-unit, and
single-family housing projects;
o Techniques to avoid root damage;
o Requirements limiting underground utilities location to a corridor,
preferably coincident with driveway;
o Methods for clearing power lines to avoid tree disfigurement;
o Procedures utilized by maintenance crews;
o Incentives to retain and plant trees;
o Municipal fees for failure to comply with tree protection and
unapproved modifications to plans; and
Approximately twenty-one programs were edited to clarify required inter-
departmental coordination.
Vision Statement
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society proposed an alternate vision statement
(Attachment B).
Canopy Cover in South Palo Alto
The adopted version of Goals, Policies and Programs included a year 1 program to
investigate reasons for lower canopy in south Palo Alto (6.D.i.). Investigations
began in late 2015 (Attachment C) and to date completed work includes 1) further
analysis of the 2011 canopy cover study, 2) outreach to South Palo Alto residents
and community leaders through interviews and a community-wide survey, 3)
inspection and assessment of vacant tree sites, 4) research on successful canopy
growth programs in various American cities, 5) formulation of two main strategies
to reverse canopy disparity. Attachment C elaborates on these elements and
presents summary results of the community survey.
Because investigation was already in progress, the stakeholder team did not
discuss South Palo Alto in depth. However, at one meeting, a South Palo Alto
resident suggested some homeowners, who are taking advantage of incentives
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for drought-tolerant landscaping do not want street trees in front of their
property due to the perceived water needs of young trees.
In response to this concern, Program 6.D.ii. was augmented to emphasize
incentives as a strategy and an administrative program (6.D.iv.) was added to
ensure adequate budget to accomplish the strategies, including incentives for
preserving and increasing the canopy in South Palo Alto.
Agricultural Landscaping
Edible/agricultural landscaping is closely connected to the Sustainability/Climate
Action Plan currently under development within the concept of building greater
self-sufficiency, reducing the importation of food, and increasing the availability
of locally grown food. Trees, particularly fruit and nut producers, play an
important role. Existing programs were modified to be more supportive and a
new program was added to utilize public space opportunities, and encourage the
use of private space opportunities, to implement forest gardening or other
management techniques that enable trees, shrubs, and compatible vegetation to
coexist with the goals of producing ecosystem benefits, aesthetic interest, layered
wildlife habitat, and food and products for people.
Local Environmental Groups
In addition to the collaboration that resulted in this version of the plan, seven
programs were augmented to stipulate participation by some or all of the
aforementioned stakeholder groups. Building on this progress, staff recommends
that Program 4.A.iii., which calls for a recurring forum for the community to
communicate with staff and decision-making bodies, be implemented in year 2
(2016-17) instead of year 3. The City Manager will designate a citizen advisory
committee to serve as the recurring forum and formalize ongoing consultation
with the City Manager and staff during the life of the plan.
Summary of Key Issues
Policy Implications
The plans and programs described in the Urban Forest Master Plan will need to be
integrated and harmonized into other planning efforts, including the
Sustainability/Climate Action Plan, the Parks Master Plan, and the Comprehensive
Plan update. Municipal Code changes may also be required, including, for
example, to add clauses to Title 8 which direct landscape design for development
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or renovation projects that satifies the California Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance while also satisfying City of Palo Alto goals identified in
plans. Modifying existing protection of Redwoods ( a high water use tree) is one
likely change.
Planning and development issues in particular require changes in business
practices or departmental procedures and documents as described extensively
within new Goal 6. Water allocations and conservation will become increasingly
important thus requiring more extensive collaboration between departments,
partner organizations, customers, and the public. The Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance, Water Efficient Landscape Rebate Program, and non-potable water
distribution or use allowances may provide opportunities as well as challenges in
implementing programs or accomplishing goals.
The plan includes language to expand the role of local environmental groups by
providing for a recurring forum to formalize communication with the community
and provide for ongoing consultation with the City Manager and staff.
Native species are of paramount importance to a healthy ecosystem, however,
the definition of “native” is not universally agreed upon, diversity protects against
epidemics, and ecosystems adapt in response to influences such as climate
change. Climate change predictions vary though it is without debate that water
availability and weather pattern changes exacerbated by human population
growth will be important issues as actions are planned. Staff recommends that
the city recognize the need for an expanded list with some ecologically important
“adapted” species, and/or an adaptive approach that compares progress on
indicators to available resources for management and uses discretion based on
site conditions. Staff further recommends that identifying appropriate “adapted”
species could be accomplished, with the participation of local environmental
groups, within the framework of the recurring meetings described above.
Possibly the most significant change pertaining to development impacts is
stronger direction for inter-departmental coordination. These programs will likely
require multiple departments to modify guiding documents and possibly field
activities. The study session can be an opportunity for Council direction regarding
some of these efforts.
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The study session also provides an opportunity to review both the original vision
statement and the one submitted by Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
(Attachment B) and for Council to provide staff further direction.
In regard to canopy equity, studies indicate potential for increasing the number of
street trees; however increasing the overall canopy will rely heavily on the
planting of trees on private property. The aforementioned input from a South
Palo Alto resident illustrates a paramount concern—the potential for conflicts
between sustainability goals and programs. The Council may wish to discuss
potential conflicts and provide direction.
If project review is intensified, as advocated by several programs, there will be a
increased opportunities to encourage fruit and nut producing trees thus
promoting urban agriculture in appropriate places. Council may wish to use the
study session to discuss the pros and cons of intensifying the review process, and
provide further direction. This information will be important to multiple
departments as well as the development community.
Resource Impact
New programs were added and existing programs strengthened.
New inventory, management planning, public education, and delivery of services
through contracts or temporary employees requires that staff capabilities be
developed to ensure proper quality control and operational efficiency. Programs
such as the newly created invasive species inventory and management program
(2.A.iv.) may require significant coordination by staff with relevant education and
experience, in addition to contracts ranging upwards of $100,000 annually.
Inventory information must first be acquired, primarily through the development
of comprehensive conservation plans (CCPs) proposed by the Community Services
Department within the CIP program. Management activities appropriate for the
inventory will be proposed to add new funds following completion of individual
CCPs in fiscal years 2019-2024 and beyond, where initial funding for any one
property will be greater initially and then reduced to control invasive species
populations. Costs will vary depending upon the size of the property, density and
composition of invasive plants, access, labor pools, partnership opportunities, and
other factors. Implementation may be deferred to year 4 (fy 2019) or beyond of
the plan to allow for inventory, FTE reclassification(s), and projected needs
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analysis. Likewise achieving canopy equity between north and south Palo Alto
(Policy 6.D., Program 6.D.iv.) may require substantial financial and staff resources
to provide incentives and education to private property owners, however results
of open source inventory and other education programs already present in the
plan may better inform the projected costs and benefits of implementing these
programs at varying scales as well as identify viable partnership opportunities.
Policy, education, and partnership solutions may reduce costs for incentives such
as new rebate programs. Solutions which utilize existing budget and staff will be
employed before proposals for new funding. Some programs such as creation of
the Landscape Technical Manual projected to cost $150,000 (one time) may need
to be implemented in fiscal year 2018 to ensure compliance with the California
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, storm water permitting, and other
regulatory requirements.
Significant challenges will be encountered to implement the adopted plan with 97
programs as well as the second iteration’s addition of 13 new programs and a
significant increase in scope to the program for native tree evaluation and care
(2.A.i). As such, all programs and other recommendations requiring additional
resources must be viewed as subject to and contingent upon the City’s annual
budget approval process. The plan as adopted in May 2015 was to be
implemented by adding capacity through contract, temporary, and partner
services while also developing staff to administer an increased quantity and
complexity of services. Program additions proposed in this second itereation of
the plan will increase the need for additional capacity in financial terms and
partnership relationships as well as staff abilities, knowledge, and authority.
Environmental review
The Initial Study and Negative Declaration of Environmental Impacts for the
adopted plan sufficiently addresses potential impacts. Because added content is
similar in concept and potential impacts, supplemental environmental review is
not required.
Timeline
Staff recommends that meetings continue with the community members/groups
forum to finalize the second iteration of the Urban Forest Master Plan and return
to Council for adoption in October 2016. Implementation scheduling and costs
will be updated/projected within the implementation plan chapter based on
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Council’s feedback.
Courtesy Copies
Attachments:
Attachement A: Goals Policies and Programs redline version for Council study session
(PDF)
Attachment B: Vision alternate or adopted FINAL (PDF)
Attachment C: North-South canopy analysis for staff report (PDF)
City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Goals, Policies, and Programs
Goal 1. A well developed contiguous, healthy, and ecologi-
cally resilient citywide urban forest that:
• Is a mix of native and exotic introduced climate adap-
tive species—to minimize vulnerability to disease, storms,
drought, pests, and other stressors.
• Emphasizes locally-evolved or adaptive drought-tol-
erant species, with particular focus on regenerating a
native woodland ecosystem on a landscape scale.
• Avoids invasive species
• Is a mix of young, semi-mature and mature ages—to
facilitate uniformity in annual maintenance costs and con-
tinuity of benefits.
• Maximizes habitat, environmental, and aesthetic
benefits while trying to minimize conflicts with infrastruc-
ture and water-conservation goals.
• Maximizes the potential in each neighborhood—to
achieve the greatest possible canopy equity.
Policy 1.A. Strive for:
• A greater percentage of native, drought-tolerant, and fruit
tree species.
• Species choices that are appropriate to the setting and
site conditions e.g.,
• Maximize opportunities for fruit, nut, and flower
bearing trees where there are fewer maintenance
concerns.
• Maximize opportunities to include less drought
tolerant trees where water is not as limited such
as riparian corridors, special design or bioretention
landscapes, or where groundwater level is higher
e.g., plant riparian trees such as box elder, syca-
mores, cottonwood and willows near creeks and
where where groundwater conditions allow.
• Maximize opportunities for species groupings that
form interconnected ecosystems and an ecologi-
cally resilient landscape that supports birds, pollina-
tors, and other beneficial insects with an emphasis
on oak woodland species based on the principles
of San Francisco Estuary Institute’s “Landscape re-
silient Framework” and “Vision for a resilient SIlicon
Valley Landscape”.
• Minimize infrastructure conflicts, hazards, and
maintenance issues.
• Appropriate age diversity.
• No loss of benefits—as defined in iTree eco analysis (or
other peer-reviewed benefits-estimation model.)
• No loss Increased habitat, health, and social benefits.
Program 1.A.i. Work with Canopy to complete the online “Tree Library”—
to achieve a helpful tool for staff and property owners.
Endeavor to Include information from the Santa Clara
Valley Audubon Society and Native Plant Society about the
value for birds and butterflies of species listed in the library.
Ensure that searches can include multiple attributes.
Program 1.A.ii. Work with Canopy and stakeholders to develop a “Preferred
and Restricted Species List” that will be a helpful tool for
staff and property owners.
The list will acknowledge differing priorities for:
• Public street trees
• Public park trees near playing fields or playing fields,
paths, or hardscape.
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Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
• Public park trees further from playing fields, paths, or
hardscape.
• Public trees in nature preserves
• Private trees on residential property
• Private trees on commercial (non-residential) property
• All trees in riparian corridors
The list will consider:
• Habitat value and attractiveness for birds, butterflies
and pollinators.
• Opportunities to create riparian habitat.
• Ecological benefits such as shelter, food, and breeding
sites for both resident and migratory birds and pollinators.
• Energy use reduction potential.
• Carbon sequestration potential.
• Emission levels of (BVOCs)
• Stormwater runoff reduction treatment potential.
• City goals for conserving potable water.
• City goals for recycled water.
• Infrastructure conflicts.
• Maintenance issues.
• Aesthetics.
• City’s goal of 50% shading goals for rights-of-way,
parking lots, and heat islands.
• City’s goal to emphasize native species.
• Need for age diversity.
• Toxicity to birds.
• Potential to become invasive (vegetation reproduction).
• Potential to provide healthy, local food to homeowners
residents.
Notes:
• The resulting list should be searchable by attributes.
• Special consideration should be given to the golf course.
• A comprehensive conservation plan is needed to ad-
dress the complexity of the ecosystems of preserves,
and open spaces recognizing that the desirability of
traits is often contingent upon location or limited
rooting area i.e., problems on one site may be benefits
on another. For example, species with maintenance
concerns such as those that drop fruit, nuts, and flow-
ers might not be appropriate in some urban areas.
• Although allergens are a concern, current research
does not support species selection for allergens.
Program 1.A.iii Work with Canopy and stakeholders to develop site-specific-
species-selection protocols to complement the “Preferred
and Restricted Species List” (Program 1.A.ii.) In addition
to the criteria above, include consideration of:
• Resident’s requests.
• Regeneration of native woodland.
• Surrounding species theme and the past performance of
that species.
• Adjacent property use.
• Potential visibility issues (e.g., at intersections).
• Available soil volume.
• Available water.
• Potential conflicts with overhead power lines.
• Potential conflicts with hardscape.
• Potential conflicts with underground utilities.
• Avoidance of monocultures.
• Avoidance of inappopriate species in areas that are ideal
for rainwater bioretention areas.
• Creation of habitat corridors and ecologically resilient
landscapes, contribution to native woodland recovery
For sites within parks, selection should also consider:
• The Comprehensive Plan’s vision that parks should inte-grate nature with recreation and aesthetics and strive to bring people closer to nature.
• Existing and future irrigation systems for nearby park turf.
• Maintenance issues specific to each park e.g., litter on
playing fields.
• Wildlife habitat needs e.g., the creation of understory to
provide shelter for birds.
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City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Additionally, species selection for trees in natural areas
should prefer native species and also consider:
• Threats that may be more likely to affect trees in natural
areas than in urban areas—especially Sudden Oak Death.
• Wildlife Bird breeding time lines season.
• Relationship and impact to trails.
• Soil types and natural heritage.
• Opportunities for planting species that drop fruit, nuts,
and flowers in areas where maintenance is not as big of a
concern.
Note: As mentioned earlier, a separate Resource Manage-
ment Plan—or Comprehensive Conservation Plan—is
needed to address the complexity of the ecosystems of
preserves, and open spaces.
Program 1.A.iv. Manage species diversity such that no one species accounts
for more than 10% of the population and no one genus ac-
counts for more than 20% of the population in such a way
as to:
• Emphasize regeneration of an native woodland landscape through the creation of species patches at a scale that sup-ports regional ecological resilience.
• Avoid monocultures that create vulnerability to cata-
strophic losses due to species-specific threats—especially
in the urbanized area.
Note: In some areas a more diverse palette will be appro-
priate and in other areas it will be advantageous to create
species patches large enough to support regional ecologi-
cal resilience. Urban forestry guidelines suggest that—as
a precaution against catastrophic losses due to species-
specific threats—no one species should account for more
than 10% of the population and no one genus for more than
20% of the population.
Policy 1.B. Endeavor to ensure commercial availability of appropriate tree
species.
Program 1.B.i. Upon completing the “Preferred and Restricted Species
List”, work with Canopy to encourage local and regional
nurseries and garden centers to defer to stock the “pre-
ferred” species—with emphasis on increasing the availabil-
ity of species that are drought-tolerant as well as tolerant to
recycled water—and to avoid stocking invasive species.
Program 1.B.ii. Consider feasibility of a city-owned nursery or partnership
with California Native Plant Society, Acterra, or other local
non-profits.
Policy 1.C. Conserve viable street tree planting sites.
Program 1.C.i. Work with relevant departments to develop criteria for viable street tree planting sites, increased planting of street trees,
and related protocols to ensure optimal stocking level of
98%. Add criteria to Tree Technical Manual.
Program 1.C.ii. Use criteria for viable street planting sites to review and
update information about existing and available viable sites
in TreeKeeper, and GIS—as well as an interactive open-
source mapping solution such as OpenTreeMap.
Program 1.C.iii. Work with relevant departments to evaluate implementa-
tion and effectiveness of the requirement for 50% shading
for parking lots (public and private) and identified heat
islands. Identify reasons for success and or failure. Modify
as needed. Note: Use ecosystem service calculations and give special consideration to the impact of substituting solar panels for trees to meet the 50% shading requirement.
Program 1.C.iv. Work with relevant departments to develop requirements
for new commercial, multi-unit, and single-family hous-
ing development projects to provide street trees (or space
for future trees) and related irrigation systems. Note: The
requirement for public art may be a useful model.
Policy 1.D. Strive for optimal stocking levels for street trees. Plantings
should exceed removals until a goal of 98% full stocking of
identified viable planting sites within right-of-ways and parks is
achieved. Assume an average 50 year life span and consistent
replacement and removal rates. Fluctuations should be ex-
pected due to past trends of planting as well as other variables.
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Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Program 1.D.i. Develop a monitoring program and produce annual reports
of removals and plantings to show progress toward the
goal of 98% full stocking of identified viable planting sites
within right-of-ways and parks.
Goal 2. Re-generated native woodland and riparian land-
scapes as the key ecological basis of the urban
forest with focus on native species and habitat.
Policy 2.A. Conserve and grow native and introduced climate adaptive tree
population to regenerate and recover native woodland ecosys-
tem on a landscape scale .
Program 2.A.i. Work with Canopy to update the Oakwell survey to:
• Assess changes in the population of native oaks since
1997.
• Evaluate the health of existing native trees and take
actions to improve conditions as needed (e.g., remove
hardscaping or turf watering around tree drip line.)
• Evaluate gaps and opportunities to plant native oaks and
native woodland species to create a mosaic of native
woodland species distribution that mimics the spatial
distribution of an native woodland ecosystem.
Program 2.A.ii. Consider incorporating Oakwell survey data into Tree-
Keeper, the City’s GIS, and an interactive open-source
mapping system such as OpenTreeMap.
Program 2.A.iii. Develop a plan for restoring a city-wide native woodland
landscape by increasing the percentages of native trees
especially oaks as well as to track and by tracking prog-ress. Implementation should begin as soon as possible by
providing more native trees and introduce climate adaptive
species for all tree installations——to create a mosaic
of native woodland species distribution that mimics the
spatial distribution of an native woodland ecosystems.
Specifically, achieve the following goals:
• Street trees: Increase native woodland and introduced
climate adaptive trees from 7% to 10% within the life of
this 10-year plan—and to 20% within the next 20 years.
• Urban parks: Increase native woodland and introduced
climate adaptive trees from 11% to 25% within the life of
this 10-year plan—and to 50% within the next 20 years.
• Open spaces and preserves: Existing to at least 80%
native woodland and introduced climate adaptive trees
within the life of this 10-year plan.
• Private land: Increase percentage of native trees by
providing property owners, gardeners, landscapers, and
developers with educational resources, supply informa-
tion, and incentives for native plants, emphasizing native
woodland species.
• Re-oaking where oaks are appropriate—ensuring that
oaks are spaced so there are no gaps wider than 100-ft
among the trees.
Program 2.A.iv. Initiate “tree giveaway” events that provide residents with free
fruit trees, native trees and introduced climate adaptive trees.
Program 2.A.v. Work with Canopy and stakeholders such as the California
Native Plant Society, and Acterra to:
• Inventory the invasive tree species population as defined by the Recommended and Restricted list.
• Formalize a plan for decreasing that population (Note: This will need to be a recurring task..)
Upon completion of the inventory and establishment of a
plan work with Canopy, and stakeholders such as the Cali-
fornia Native Plant Society, and Acterra to:
• Develop procedures and coordinate field activities for re-
moving invasive species—with special attention given to the
removal of seedlings and saplings
• Provide education and incentives to homeowners to re-
move invasive species on their property.
• Develop specifications for invasive species removal to be
conditionally applied during Planning development review
for projects, when appropriate, in all zoning districts or abut-
ting creek areas (e.g. open space, residential estates, commer-
cial, research park, etc.)
• Develop monitoring programs to track progress.
Program 2.A.vi. Utilize public space opportunities--and encourage the
use of private space opportunities--to implement manage-
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City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
ment techniques that enable trees, shrubs, and compatible
vegetation to coexist with the goals of producing ecosystem
benefits, aesthetic interest, layered wildlife habitat, and food
for people.
Program 2.A.vii. Create educational materials on oak tree care and proactively
reach out to property ownershomeowners, landscaping
firms, real estate agents and other audiences to educate them
about the importance of oaks, other native, and introduced
climate adaptive trees and how to care for these trees.
Program 2.Aviii. When a property transfers, provide information on how to
care for oaks
Goal 3. A citywide Sustainability Plan that coordinates
integrates the goals of the Urban Forest Master
Plan with other sustainability goals such as those
related to water conservation, carbon neutrality,
and solar energy—and communicates the value
of the urban forest and the importance of tree
protection.
Policy 3.A. The City’s Sustainability Plan shall...
• Incorporate the contributions and needs (including water
needs) of the urban forest emphasizing the importance
of habitat as well as carbon sequestration by the urban
forest and the need to preserve canopy and ecosystems.
• Identify conflicts as well as alignment between urban
forest goals and those of other sustainability concepts
especially Green Building water use review and the as-
sociated WOCULS plant species list.
• Describe procedures for prioritizing and mitigating con-
flicts.
Program 3.A.i. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability to evaluate
the “Preferred and Restricted Species List” to ensure that
it complements the City’s Sustainability Plan in consider-
ing BVOC emissions and incorporates the need to preserve
public health as well as ecological and habitat benefits pro-
vided by native species such as oak trees, cottonwood and
willows, large broadleaf trees, and key introduced climate
adaptive species.
Program 3.A.ii. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability to evaluate
future participation in carbon credit programs.
Program 3.A.iii. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability to evaluate the
establishment of an oversight group (elected or appointed
by the City Council), to investigate and comment on the
impact of projects on the urban forest and overall ecosys-
tem—and monitor the progress of the Urban Forest Master
Plan goals.
Program 3.A.iv. Work with the Utilities Department to publish tools and
priorities for siting of solar collection devices.
Program 3.A.v. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability and/or the Utilities Department and Canopy to create a guidance docu-ment—how to successfully incorporate solar collection and trees into site design—for those considering solar.
Program 3.A.vi. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability to explore new
funding sources for the Urban Forestry program.
Program 3.A.vii. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability to reevaluate
costs and fees related to efforts to coordinate sustainability
programs.
Policy 3.B. The well being of the urban forest and preservation of its
ecological, environmental, public health, aesthetic, economical,
social, and community benefits will be considered in all deci-
sions pertaining to the environment, sustainability, and capital
improvements.
Program 3.B.i. Formalize the Urban Forester’s role relative to:
• Citywide Sustainability Plan.
• Development of citywide policy.
• Inter-departmental collaboration.
• Technical advice.
Program 3.B.ii. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability to develop a
“Landscape Sustainability Checklist”—for development
review—that incorporates citywide goals for water use, sus-
tainability, storm water management and tree selection and
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Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
strives for ecological balance and resilience. Incorporate
into the Landscape Technical Manual.
Program 3.B.iii. Work with the city’s Office of Sustainability to educate staff
about the importance of describing potentially negative—or
unintended—impacts to the urban forest and ecologic bal-
ance/resilience in staff reports about Capital Improvement
Projects—whether or not California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) review is required.
Policy 3.C. Monitor the salinity levels of recycled water and explore options
for adjusting potable/recycled mix rates, soil modification/aug-
mentation—to improve leaching—on a site by site basis.
Program 3.C.i. Review existing monitoring programs regarding the use
of recycled water for landscape irrigation at the Municipal
Golf Course and Greer Park. Modify as needed.
Program 3.C.ii. Develop a report describing what has been achieved rela-
tive to the City’s goals for reducing the salinity of recycled
water from the Regional Water Quality Control Plant since
Council adopted Resolution 9035 in January of 2010. The
report should include a draft handout brochure for property
owners considering conversion to recycled water--outlining
site drainage expectations, exemption process and new
plant material conversion and responsibilities.Ensure that
staff are aware of this City policy and understand its impli-
cations.
Program 3.C.iii. Work with Canopy and stakeholders such as the California
Native Plant Society, Acterra, and the Santa Clara Valley
Audubon Society to develop a list of tree species appropri-
ate for use in areas where recycled water is or may be used
for irrigation. Incorporate into the Landscape Technical
Manual.
Program 3.C.iv. Work with relevant departments to develop an emergency
program to provide water to trees during severe drought.
Program 3.C.v. Woprk with relevant departments to encourage construc-
tion of rain gardens and use of condensation water from
air-conditioning units, groundwater dewatering water, and
hydrant flushing water to provide water for “thirsty” habitat
trees such as willows, sycamores and cottonwoods
Program 3.C.vi. Emphasize the Utilities Department’s “Waste Avoidance”
programs (for water) on the Urban Forestry website.
Policy 3.D. Use wood chips and mulch appropriately.
Program 3.D.i. Review existing procedures and protocols for using mulch
to suppress weeds (including state requirements) and
develop site-specific criteria to ensure minimal impacts to
wildlife–especially in the wetlands and natural areas. Upon
completion:
• Incorporate into the Tree Technical Manual.
• Incorporate into the Landscape Technical Manual (Pro-
gram 6.F.i.)
• Work with stakeholders such as the California Native
Plant Society, Acterra, the Santa Clara Valley Audubon
Society on an outreach program to educate property own-
ers and residents about mulch use.
Program 3.D.ii. To prevent runoff of polluted water, avoid use of recycled-
tire or synthetic mulch and discourage use of recycled-tire
or synthetic mulch on private property
Program 3.D.iii. To prevent runoff of polluted water, avoid use of dyed mulch
and discourage use of dyed mulch on private property.
Program 3.D.iv. Explore an expansion of the existing urban-wood recycling
program to include higher end products that do not break
the wood down. Include consideration of the following:
• Breaking wood up to create mulch releases previously
sequestered carbon.
• Conversion to energy requires burning which releases
previously sequestered carbon.
• Recycling urban wood as a higher end product that does
not break it down e.g., using logs for habitat or outdoor
furniture, will allow the carbon to remain sequestered
within the wood.
• Carbon credit programs.
Page 6 of 16
City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Goal 4. A community that appreciates its urban forest and
partners with the city and Canopy, and other local
organizations and stakeholders to steward it.
Policy 4.A Optimize communication between the City, residents, property
owners, business owners, other cities and other government
agencies, and non-profits.
Program 4.A.i. Work with Canopy and stakeholders such as the Califor-
nia Native Plant Society, Acterra, the Santa Clara Valley
Audubon Society to conduct at least 4 community outreach
meetings to educate and get feedback:
• Introduce the website as a resource.
• Discuss “Hot Topics” from Master Plan survey.
• Discuss interactive open-source mapping.
Program 4.A.ii. Work with Canopy and stakeholders such as the California
Native Plant Society, Acterra, the Santa Clara Valley Audu-
bon Society and the community to develop outreach proce-
dures to follow prior to making any significant changes to
the urban forest —whether or not California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) review is required.
Program 4.A.iii. Work with Canopy and stakeholders such as the California Native Plant Society, Acterra, and the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society to establish a recurring forum that pro-vides the community an opportunity to communicate with staff and members of the decision making bodies about tree benefits, concerns, and ideas. Note: this may coincide with the similar ideas for the citywide Sustainability Plan.
Program 4.A.iv. Continue pruning workshops and tree walks and consider
additional ways for community and staff to interact.
Program 4.A.v. Coordinate with the Palo Alto Unified School District re-
garding plantings, species selection, maintenance, manage-
ment of landscapes, Arbor Day, and other events.
Program 4.A.vi. Develop a capability for community input on the Urban
Forestry website.
Program 4.A.vii. Explore Work with Canopy the California Native Plant So-
ciety, Acterra, and the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
to develop the content for outreach possibilities such as city
mailings, e-mail blasts, door hangers, bill inserts, social
media, press releases, and newspaper columns.
Program 4.A.viii. Partner with Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society for the
Palo Alto Christmas Bird Count, Spring Bird Count, and the
Backyard Bird Count.
Program 4.A.ix. Work with Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society to develop
programs to familiarize residents with Palo Alto’s urban
forest’s birds and butterflies—and ways to attract them.
Program 4.A.x. Educate citizens about correct pruning at the best time to
protect bird habitat and nesting.
Program 4.A.xi. Partner with Acterra, Audubon and California Native Plant
Society to develop educational materials and workshops on
native woodland ecosystems, other native habitats and the
benefits of native tree species in the urban landscape for
both the public and urban forestry staff.
Policy 4.B. Ensure exhaustive exploration into the common concerns that
emerged from the responses to the Master Plan survey and
ensure that the resulting information is well communicated.
Program 4.B.i. Work with relevant departments to develop ways to avoid root
damage to sidewalks beyond just matching growth charac-
teristics to the conditions of the planting site. Explore root
barriers and special design solutions such as meandering
sidewalks around trees, suspending sidewalks above tree
roots, and replacing concrete sidewalks with sidewalks
made of recycled rubber or other material.
Program 4.B.ii. Work with relevant departments to develop ways to prevent
conflicts between tree roots and underground infrastructure
such as requirements that limit the location of underground
utilities to a corridor—preferably coincident with driveway.
Program 4.B.iii. Work with relevant departments to develop ways to avoid
disfigurement of trees from power line clearing such as run-
ning the power lines through protective conduits that don’t
require as much clearance.
Page 7 of 16
Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Goal 5 An effective and efficient Urban Forestry Division.
Policy 5.A. Monitor Ensure that the City has adequate baseline informa-
tion—so changes in the urban forest and ecological benefits
can be monitored.
Program 5.A.i. Follow up the 2010 canopy cover assessment done by UC
Davis that established the baseline for this master plan—
with a similar assessment in approximately 2020. Present a
comparison of the two assessments to the City Council.
Ensure that the follow-up canopy cover assessment con-
siders the open spaces as well as the urban forest. (See
programs related to Policy _____).
Note: This type of survey will provide canopy density of the
entire urban forest—both public and private trees and is
generally accepted as the best method for comparisons be-
tween municipalities, assessing canopy equity, and monitor-
ing change from development impacts etc.
Program 5.A.ii. Follow up the 2010 inventory update and i-Tree streets
analysis done by Davey Resources with either:
• A similar comprehensive inventory update and i-Tree
streets analysis in approximately 2020.
• OR a series of seven partial inventories done—annually—
on one-seventh of the entire street tree population.
Ensure that follow-up analyses consider open spaces as
well. (Also see programs related to Policy______).
Ensure that any economic analysis of tree value consider
the costs inherent in invasive trees.
Note: This type of survey will provide multi-faceted and detailed data about each city-owned tree and is essential to the City’s asset management requirements.
Program 5.A.iii. Conduct an i-Tree eco analysis (or similar) to establish a
city wide benchmark that spans the entire population of
both public and private trees and then to monitor change in
the future.
Metrics should be compared to changes in order to craft
policies, provide incentives, and adapt partnerships.
Note: This type of survey will provide multi-faceted infor-
mation such as health and composition of the entire urban
forest—both public and private trees.
Program 5.A.iv. Conduct an i-Tree wildlife (or similar) assessment of the
existing habitat and biodiversity—to establish a baseline
and help identify and prioritize needs.
Note: The software used for this type of analysis is relative-
ly new. This type of survey will provide information about
the potential for both public and private trees to provide
habitat or to damage habitat (e.g., species that can be in-
vasive) and will help the City incorporate ecological needs
into the decision making process for many issues.
Policy 5.B. Strive for best possible tools—such as updated such as tech-
nology, information about the trees, and procedural documen-
tation, knowledgeable staff, and fiscal resources—to support
the Urban Forest Master Plan vision, goals, policies and
programs.
Program 5.B.i. Conduct electronic tree surveys to enable analysis of devel-
opment impact.
Program 5.B.ii. Develop database management tools to assist with monitor-
ing, documentation, and evaluation of tree restoration work.
Program 5.B.iii. Develop open portals for data entry–as a way of engaging
the community as partners in stewardship and to improve
data currency and accuracy:
• Electronic submittals of tree surveys might allow more
accurate queries and reports to quantify the influence of
development. (Also see Program ________)
• Open source mapping might allow input by anyone agree-
ing to comply with standards and complete training.
• Open portals might accommodate reports of maintenance
needs from community members.
Note: Any such tools should be compatible with the mobile reporting application that is currently being developed for the city to both report and monitor service requests.
Page 8 of 16
City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Program 5.B.iv. Review Update the City’s GIS and Tree Keeper database
information about trees within the 32 parks, Municipal Golf
Course, utility easements, city facilities, and city-owned
property such as fire stations—to ensure completeness and
accuracy.
Program 5.B.v. Integrate the information in Tree-Keeper with the city’s
GIS to enable review of the relationship between trees and
other relevant geographic information such as parcel lines,
land uses, zoning, soil types, watersheds, creeks, pavement,
hazard areas, and utility infrastructure.
Program 5.B.vi. Use the City’s GIS system to highlight native trees especial-
ly oak species, and create a layer that identifies connectivity
and spatial distribution of oaks and riparian tree species.
Program 5.B.vii. Develop or obtain a more up-to-date and accurate soils map
and add it into the GIS.
Program 5.B.viii. Consider developing Develop a map showing the depth of
available water within the urban forest.
Program 5.B.ix. Update the Tree Technical Manual. The update should:
• Include new and innovative ways to add trees in difficult
circumstances.
• Review and expand the requirements and options for
mitigating the removal of existing trees for development
projects. Roof top plantings–which are expensive initially
but have a long term life cycle may be worth more as a
mitigation measure than a transplanted tree–which often
suffer from diminished survival potential. Coordinate this
with Sustainability Plan and Landscape Technical Manual.
• Include information, specifications, and standard details
for employing structural grids to provide an adequate vol-
ume of quality soil to grow trees to desired mature size.
• Establish soil volume requirements in a manner similar to
those described in the city of Raleigh’s Landscape Manual.
• Work with Public Works sidewalk maintenance to con-
sider contract language to implement rooting channels for
confined existing or new trees to achieve longer life and
tree benefits.
• Establish requirements for providing independent spaces
for trees and turf so that water can be applied appropri-
ately and efficiently and nearby plantings will support
optimal performances e.g., only forest species should be
planted near trees where as turf areas may support orna-
mental landscape plants or riparian habitat trees and shrubs.
• Prohibit the planting of new turf in public rights-of-way,
medians, planter strips, and other roadway adjacent areas
of landscaping.
Note: In addition to the above listed enhancements, the Tree Technical Manual will be the repository for many of the products called for by programs in this master plan such as: criteria for a viable street tree planting site. As a result, the role of the Tree Technical Manual will be significantly expanded.
Program 5.B.x. Incorporate stormwater treatment and bioretention best
management practices into the Tree Technical Manual,
Standard Conditions of Approval, and Standard Details,
Sustainability Plan, and Landscape Technical Manual.
Include best practices and other requirements from both
Municipal and Regional Permits and emphasize the advan-
tages (or disadvantages) of:
• Planting trees, shrubs, and ground cover to provide an
understory and a more complex habitat for birds in private
and public landscaping.
• Planting less drought resistant species (e.g., native ripar-
ian species that provide habitat), where there is a natu-
ral water sources such as a creek or higher water table
level—to help provide diversity.
• Planting larger broadleaf trees where there are no over-
head wires—to help provide ecological benefits.
• Planting introduced climate adaptive trees in areas that are ideal for bioretention of stormwater.
• Rain gardens and use of condensation water from air-con-
ditioning units to provide water for “thirsty” habitat trees
such as willows, sycamores and cottonwoods
Page 9 of 16
Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Program 5.B.xi. Complete the update of the Street Tree Management Plan.
Include information,criteria, procedures, and strategies
regarding:
• Selecting street tree species.
• Providing for age diversity.
• Ensuring that planting parallels tree removal to avoid
canopy and benefit loss.
• Young tree care.
• Preventing loss of viable street tree sites.
• Optimizing opportunities for adding trees for new private
development and Capital Improvement projects.
• Canopy disparity between north and south Palo Alto.
• Standards used for line clearing and criteria for selecting
contractors.
• Sidewalk repair.
• Recycled water and progress relative to the Salinity Re-
duction Policy for Recycled Water.
• Benefits to local birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
• Regeneration of spatially connected native woodland ecosys-
tem.
• Shade for pedestrians.
Program 5.B.xii. Work with relevant departments to improve Explore the
way maintenance work done by field crews is documented
and uploaded into TreeKeeper and/or the City’s GIS. This
exploration should include Smart Phone capabilities.
Program 5.B.xiii. Consider transferring maintenance responsibilities from
Community Services Parks Division to Public Works Urban
Forestry Division for:
• Trees in developed areas of Open Space (along park roads
and around structures/park facilities)
• All trees on the golf course.
• Evaluate the cost resources needed to establish written
risk management protocol and training for scheduled
inspections and training (see Program 5.B__)
Program 5.B.xiv. Nurture existing volunteer support groups and work with
non-profit organizations to reach out to businesses and
corporate sponsors for forest-restoration projects.
Program 5.B.xv. Work with relevant departments to explore a collaboration
between relevant local fire protection districts and CAL
FIRE regarding an educational campaign to inform home-
owners about selecting species and pruning trees to achieve
“defensible spaces” as part of vegetation management in
appropriate areas of the city. Incorporate into Sustainability
Plan and Landscape Technical Manual.
Program 5.B.xvi. Evaluate needs and Provide opportunities for training Urban
Forest staff and park rangers that include:
• Certification as arborist.
• Certification in pesticide application.
• Education in Integrated Pest Management.
• Education in Best Management Practices for management
of invasive plants.
• Education in ecology and native plant management.
• Proficiency in relevant software programs.
• Tree Risk Management Protocols.
Review should include exploration of conferences, in-house
training, online training, etc.
Program 5.B.xvi. Develop a flexible staffing model that ensures staffing com-
mensurate to work load increases and decreases. (Manpow-
er shortages cause delays in project review.)
Program 5.B.xvii. Work with relevant departments to update development
review fees—to accommodate intensification of the review
process to ensure that all ecological and environmental
concerns are met.
Page 10 of 16
City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Program 6.A.ii. Work with relevant departments to augment project-review
standard conditions of approval with:
• Requirements for no net canopy loss per project site.
• Soil volume requirements for trees per species group.
• Habitat connectivity and regeneration of an native wood-
land ecosystem on a landscape scale.
Program 6.A.iii. Ensure that (in addition to building standards) Palo Alto’s
standards for landscape installations and renovations, con-
sider appropriate species selection and placement of trees—
especially relative to existing trees and habitat value.
Program 6.A.iv. Work with relevant departments to analyze the impact of
basement construction—and dewatering by wells and base-
ment sump pumps—on tree health and the urban forest.
Focus shall include but not be limited to:
• Soil volume.
• Water table.
Policy 6.B. Review of both private and public projects will:
• Occur early in the design phase.
• Be coordinated with the reviews of other departments.
• Seek ways to add trees, canopy, and habitat benefits.
• Promote solutions that respect promote regional ecosys
tems and natural functions including watersheds and wildlife
corridors connectivity.
• Promote regionally native and introduced cllimate adaptive
plants and discourage the use of invasive species.
• Promote green space systems within/among communities.
• Promote bicycle and public transportation nodes and routes.
• Promote shade to encourage pedestrian and bicycle mobility.
• Consider absorption of carbon dioxide and air pollutants.
• Evaluate impacts to ecosystems and natural functions.
• Evaluate impacts to watersheds and wildlife corridors.
• Evaluate impacts to stormwater systems.
• Evaluate impacts to existing impervious surfaces.
• Evaluate impacts to groundwater.
• Evaluate impacts to soil volume and quality.
• Evaluate impacts to bird especially re: nesting seasons.
Goal 6. An Urban Forest that enhances the built environ-ment and connects it to the natural environment.
Policy 6.A. Updates to Palo Alto’s Zoning Regulations, Green Building
Standards, Standard Conditions of Approval, Standard Details,
Green Infrastructure Practices, and stormwater permitting
procedures shall consider the following as key factors:
• Conservation of existing trees and replacement of undesir
able species when appropriate.
• Appropriate native and introduced climate adaptive species
and placement for new trees.
• Respect for regional ecosystems and natural functions.
• Respect for watersheds and wildlife corridors.
• Habitat overlay zones.
• Green space systems within and among communities.
• Absorption of carbon dioxide and air pollutants.
• Responsible storm water management.
• Responsible ground water management.
• Responsible soil conservation.
• Vibrancy of the community.
Program 6.A.i. Work with relevant departments and divisions to review
up-to-date sources for new measures and possible modifica-
tions to Palo Alto’s Zoning Regulations, Building Stan-
dards, Green Building Standards, Standard Conditions of
Approval, Standard Details, Green Infrastructure Practices,
storm water permitting procedures, and other relevant
documents—to ensure currency with environmental laws,
best practices, and innovative solutions and to enable the
policies and goals of this plan.
Review to include but not be limited to these resources: • Updated Green Building Standards. • Sustainable Sites Initiative. • American Planning Association recommendations for land use objectives and actions. • Best Practices for responsible stormwater management. • Best Practices for soil conservation.• Landscape Resilience Framework and Vision for a re-silient Silicon Valley Landscape (San Francisco Estuary Institute.)
Page 11 of 16
Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Program 6.B.i. Work with relevant departments and divisions to ensure that
the Urban Forestry Division is included in the early phases
of design and review of private projects. For discretionary
reviewed projects, work with the Planning Department to
ensure that in each environmental assessment prepared it
will include trees in the aesthetic resources section (desig-
nated landscape and public trees) and biological resource
section (protected trees) as applicable in the early review
phase.
Program 6.B.ii. Work with the relevant departments and divisions to ensure
that the Urban Forestry Division is included in the early
phases of budgeting (for staff resources) as well as the early
phases of design for Capital Improvement Projects.
Program 6.B.iii. Provide education to Urban Forestry staff about innovative
ways to add trees to development projects and in limiting
situations.
Program 6.B.iv. Provide education to all relevant staff about the “Preferred
and Restricted Species List.”
Program 6.B.v. Provide education to citywide development review staff
about City Sustainability Plan priorities and need for staff
reports to include information about the role of trees in
moderating potential negative impacts to the environment
or add beneficial services related to:
• Canopy.
• Wildlife Birds and pollinators.
• Watershed health.
• Storm water systems.
• Ground water stability.
• The need for adequate soil volume and/or quality.
• The value of trees with regard to aesthetics and privacy
concerns.
Program 6.B.vi. Educate citywide development review staff about this City
priorities and need for staff reports to include information
about potential opportunities to enhance:
• The vibrancy of the community including economy and
employment opportunities e.g., teen career opportunities,
training, and local food production.
• Human health benefits —both physical and psycho-social
health—of green spaces within and among communities.
• Bicycle and public-transportation nodes and routes.
Program 6.B.vii. Provide education to citywide development review staff to
ensure that tree maintenance practices continue to consider
bird nesting seasons.
Program 6.B.viii. Work with Canopy and other stakeholders to educate the
development community about the need to discuss trees
during the early stage of a project’s design.
Program 6.B.ix. Work with Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and other
wildlife organizations to educate the development commu-
nity about minimizing project effects on local wildlife.
Policy 6.C. Strive for no net loss /increase in canopy cover.
Program 6.C.i. Continue to enforce the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance
but also review it to ensure that it reflects state water ef-
ficiency standards as well as this master plan’s goals for
regeneration of native woodland landscape.
Program 6.C.ii. Evaluate needs and benefits of a possible requirement that
digital information about protected trees be submitted to
the City as a condition of approval for permit applications.
Program 6.C.iii. Work with relevant departments to develop canopy thresh-
olds—possibly based on zoning and land use goals of the
Comprehensive Plan. Consider appropriateness to the
ecotype e.g., Baylands canopy should be much less than
riparian corridors.
Note: This program does not intend to concentrate plant-
ings in open space grasslands and, thereby, reduce plant-
ings in developed areas. Thresholds suggested by orga-
nizations such as American Forests may be helpful as
guidelines. However, where such suggestions are less than
existing density, they should not imply a need or desire to
reduce density.
Page 12 of 16
City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Policy 6.D. Strive for canopy equity—prioritizing areas in which the UC
Davis report indicated a decrease between 1982 and 2010.
Program 6.D.i. Investigate reasons for less canopy in south Palo Alto. This
should include evaluation of:
• Development review procedures.
• Maintenance activities and contracts
• Property-owner objections to street trees.
• Prohibitive physical conditions such as soil type, absence of
planting strip, etc.
Program 6.D.ii. Develop strategies to end the trend of decreasing canopy in
South Palo Alto e.g.,
• Plan and budget to work with Work with Canopy and stakeholders such as Acterra, the California Native Plant
Society, and the Audubon Society on an outreach program
to ensure residents, property owners, and business owners
understand how their decisions affect the canopy and encour-
age them to plant trees.
• Create incentives for home and business owners.
• Add new planting sites for street trees where possible—and
focus on planting native species.
• Incorporate the use of interactive open source mapping.
Program 6.D.iii. Ensure that staff and contractors performing maintenance
tasks in South Palo Alto know that preserving and in-
creasing the canopy—and focus on native and introduced climate adaptive species—in South Palo Alto is a City
priority.
Program 6.D.iv. Ensure adequate budget to accomplish the strategies—in-
cluding incentives—for preserving and increasing the
canopy in South Palo Alto.
Policy 6.E . Recognize El Camino Real’s importance as the preeminent link
between Palo Alto and adjoining communities.
Program 6.E.i. Utilize the following resources when reviewing projects on
El Camino Real:
• El Camino Real Master Planning Guidelines and Appen-
dices. Incorporate into sidewalk maintenance replacement
contracts and Landscape Technical Manual, the remedial
specification BMP’s for existing trees (Appendix 5) and
design guidelines for new trees.(Section 5.4)
• Appropriate scenic design plans
• Appropriate plans of nearby jurisdictions and agencies
• Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program
Program 6.E.ii. Coordinate with nearby jurisdictions and agencies regarding
trees within the El Camino Real Corridor e.g.,
• Management of existing trees.• Development impacts and opportunities.• Projected future needs.• Grand Boulevard Project.
Note: These guidelines for reviewing projects within the
El Camino Real Corridor should be reflected in the Tree
Technical Manual.
Policy 6.F. Private and public landscape and irrigation plans that include
both trees and turf will be reviewed to ensure that each is pro-
vided enough independent space to ensure that their differing
maintenance needs can be met efficiently e.g., so that:
• Water can be applied appropriately and efficiently.
• Nearby plantings will support optimal performance e.g.,
only forest species (e.g., understory species) should
be planted near trees whereas turf areas may support
ornamental landscape plants (e.g., plants requiring more
frequent watering.)
Program 6.F.i. Develop a Landscape Technical Manual that aggregates
landscape requirements and best management practices
from all relevant sections of the Municipal Code as well as
the Baylands Master Plan, El Camino Real Master Plan
and Appendices, Comprehensive Plan, Sustainability Plan,
Green Building Code, and Tree Technical Manual. Focus to
include but not be limited to:
Page 13 of 16
Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
• Solutions to promote canopy equity for South Palo Alto
e.g., planting, soil, and watering recommendations.
• Special concerns related to the development of properties
within OS (Open Space) and Residential Estate Zoning
Districts e.g., fire safe landscapes and hydroseding.
• Retention of existing mature (non-invasive) trees.
• Regeneration of an native woodland ecosystem on a land-
scape scale.
Policy 6.G. Provide incentives to increase canopy and ecological benefits.
Program 6.G.i. Work with relevant departments to explore incentives such as
increased density.
Program 6.G.ii. Work with relevant departments to develop incentives to
retain and plant trees—and where appropriate, trees of high
habitat value and fruit trees—through additional points via
LEED certification , Build It Green (BIG) Green Points,
Backyard Habitat Programs, and/or similar certification
systems such as those defined by the Sustainable Sites
Initiative, the National Wildlife Federation, and the San
Francisco Estuary Institute’s Vision for a Resilient Silicon
Valley.
Program 6.G.iii. Work with relevant departments to explore the feasibility of
a tree adoption program—possibly to be modeled after
programs offered by the Sacramento Municipal Utility
District (SMUD) which has been operating successfully for
15 years.
Policy 6.H. Minimize the negative effect on the urban forest from develop-
ment and infrastructure maintenance.
Program 6.H.i. Work with relevant departments to review line clearing stan-
dards and criteria for selecting contractors; publish on the
Urban Forest website.
Program 6..H.ii. Work with relevant departments to analyze and resolve con-
flicts regarding the space required between utilities under-
ground equipment and other criteria related to what makes a
planting site viable for street trees.
Program 6.H.iii. Evaluate the current street tree pruning program and the
possible advantages of a more frequent pruning cycle. En-
sure that pruning continues to consider bird nesting seasons.
Program 6.H.iv. Work with relevant departments to create criteria for mini-
mum tree plantings as development requirements.
Program 6.H.v. Work with relevant departments to review and update current
fines and incentives as related to tree malpractice and van-
dalism.
Program 6.H.vi. Work with relevant departments to amend fee schedule to
include development fees to enable appropriate participa-
tion in project review, building and other permit issuance,
regulatory compliance, and auditing.
Policy 6.I. Approved development plans shall not be modified in any
way that may affect street trees or approved landscape plans
without review of those modifications by the Urban Forestry
Division.
Program 6.I.i. Work with relevant departments to reevaluate and adjust de-
velopment review fees to accommodate work load increases
and staffing impacts if necessary in order to address:
• Failure to include tree protection review in the permitting
process.
• Failure to comply with tree protection requirements.
• Unapproved modifications to approved plans—made in
the field.
Policy 6.J. Strive for optimal conditions in the natural areas of the city
preserves and open spaces.
Note: the needs of preserves and open spaces may differ
from those of the urban forest and Resource Management
Plans—specific to those environments—are needed.
Program 6.J.i.. Ensure that the next citywide canopy cover analysis (Pro-gram 5.A.i.) is sufficient to establish a baseline of canopy
cover in the city’s preserves and open spaces.
Page 14 of 16
City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan Goals, Policies, & Programs2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Note: Natural habitats are complex and it is important to
keep both habitat diversity and specific species interactions
in mind when dealing with natural areas. Therefore, al-
though the percentage of canopy cover in the natural areas
is worth monitoring, it may not have the same relevance—in
terms of optimal conditions—as it does in the urban forest.
Program 6.J.ii. Establish a baseline for relevant information to be moni-
tored—in addition to canopy cover—such as native versus
non-native species populations.
A statistically valid sample should be collected to analyze
current conditions. Sampling methodology should enable
long term monitoring, direct management decisions, and
analyze the effectiveness of current practices. A permanent
plot system would be an option.
Experimentation in conjunction with analysis of natural
regeneration practices, simulated disturbance regimes, and
predation relationships should be employed.
Note: This is not redundant with programs 5.A.iii. the analysis of 5.A.iii.will inform this task.
Program 6.J.iii. Work with relevant departments to develop a long-range
budget for tree management and maintenance in the open
spaces that includes:
• Tree inspections.
• Tree removal and replacements.
• Forest restoration.
• Training for rangers.
• Technology for tracking maintenance tasks.
• Retention of dead trees and snags.
• Protection of native volunteer saplings.
• Survey of invasive tree species.
• Mapping of soil types and depth to water table to inform
selection of ideal locations for a variety of tree species.
• A plan to increase native canopy and decrease the popula-
tion of invasive tree species—and monitor results.
Program 6.J.iv. Work with relevant departments to develop a Comprehen-
sive Conservation Plan that includes and/or considers:
• Up-to-date information regarding Sudden Oak Death Dis-
ease and other pathogens that impact the local ecosystem.
• Maintaining healthy ecosystems by reducing the impact
on trees by the implementation of fire managment plans.
• Best Management Practices for forest restoration.
• A well-defined plan for tree replacement within the parks
and open spaces.
• Detailed map of locations of sensitive species.
• Consideration of snags and dead trees.
• Protection of native volunteer tree saplings.
• Consideration for removal of invasive trees and replace-
ment with native trees.
• Trail placement that avoids impacts to native trees and
sensitive understory species.
Program 6.J.v. Work with relevant departments to update existing park plans
and/or develop new plans to ensure that tree issues are ad-
dressed.
Program 6..J.vi. Coordinate between departments and outside partners re:
• Appropriate mixes of trees, shrubs, and grasses
• Natural cycles of disturbance such as fire
• Response to use and impacts.
• Appreciation by the community.
Program 6.J.vii. Ensure that the “Restricted Species List” includes consid-
eration of species appropriate for the golf course, parks,
preserves, and open spaces e.g.,
• Importance of native species in natural areas.
• Importance of avoiding invasive species.
• Importance of fruit trees.
• Need for evergreen canopy to support watershed protec-tion and wildlife habitat.
• Need for shrub and understory species for increased and
multi-layered canopy and habitat.
• Maintenance impacts of root damage to trails.
• Maintenance impact of litter on playing fields.
Page 15 of 16
Goals, Policies, & Programs City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan2nd Edition Draft—V.14 as of February 24, 2016 for Council Study Session
Program 6.J.viii. Develop database management tools to assist with monitor-
ing, documentation, and evaluation of tree restoration work.
Program 6.J.ix. Work with Canopy to educate the community regarding the
necessity of tree removals— and where safe, snag preserva-
tion—in the parks and open spaces.
Program 6.J.x. Work with relevant departments to ensure consideration of
tree preservation and tree replacement for capital improve-
ment projects within city parks and open spaces.
Page 16 of 16
Vision (proposed alternate)
Our Urban Forest is the heart of Palo Alto’s urban and natural landscape.
It is an essential economic, community, environmental and ecological asset that provides a tangible connection to the natural world for our citizens in their everyday lives, enhancing their health, intellect and wellbeing.
Trees, vegetation, soil, water and wildlife have great individual value and interdependent
attributes, and must be cared for as a whole.
Palo Alto City leaders, city staff, residents, property owners, business owners and partner
organizations are caretakers of the Urban Forest. The caretakers collaborate to protect, create, restore and enhance environmental and ecological functions and biodiversity of the Urban
Forest.
Careful planning insures that the forest thrives and is contiguous, complex, and resilient in the
face of continued urbanization and climate change.
Vision (adopted)
Palo Alto’s urban forest will be a model of form and function— a complement of diverse yet
symbiotic ecotypes that will mirror the city’s vibrant and thriving population and provide a tangible connection to nature.
Trees, vegetation, soil, air, water, and wildlife will be valued for their individual and
interdependent attributes— and cared for as a whole.
Natural processes will be undisturbed, supplemented, emulated, or mitigated as appropriate.
Both tangible and intangible benefits of green infrastructure will be valued and stewardship will
reflect collaboration by city leaders, city staff, residents, property owners, business owners, and
partners. Careful management that prioritizes efficiency and innovation and takes advantage of
technological advances will ensure the continuance of these benefits and advances.
Opportunities presented by new development will be optimized and negative impacts of new development will be minimized.
Draft Attachment C to Staff Report for 5‐9‐16 Council
Study Session
Growing the Tree Canopy in South Palo Alto ‐ Community
Survey results
The adopted version of the Urban Forest Master Plan’s Goals, Policies and Programs includes a
Year‐One program to investigate reasons for lower canopy in south Palo Alto (Program 6.D.i.)
Work on this program was started in late 2015 and so far includes a) further analysis of the
canopy cover study conducted in 2011; b) outreach to south Palo Alto residents and community
leaders through interviews and a community‐wide survey; c) inspection and assessment of
vacant tree sites; d) research of canopy growth programs successfully implemented in various
American cities; e) identify opportunities to reverse the canopy disparity.
This report summarizes results of the community survey and potential opportunities that arose
from the survey. The quotes inserted below are excerpted from the survey responses.
The tree canopy disparity between north and south Palo Alto doubled over the last three
decades as a result of an increase in the north and a decrease in some south Palo Alto
neighborhoods, mostly associated with redevelopment.
“I see a large difference in tree coverage between north and south Palo Alto.
Additional residential street trees will be more than welcome. [...] Along El Camino Real, one
can clearly see the disparity between north and south. South of Stanford Ave / Page Mill
Road, the tree cover drops dramatically. It leaves an ugly stretch of road, with no shade for
pedestrians from the neighborhoods. I look forward to seeing this improved.”
‐ Barron Park resident, 11/23/2015
Community feedback confirmed that this is an important issue for residents, and our recent
survey revealed south Palo Alto residents’ overwhelming willingness to grow the tree canopy in
their neighborhoods.
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A. South Palo Alto Tree Canopy Community Survey
We conducted the South Palo Alto Tree Canopy Community Survey from November 20, 2015 to
December 21, 2015. The purpose of the survey was to collect south Palo Alto individual
residents’ opinions about street and yard trees. The goals were to gather quantitative and
qualitative data about South Palo Alto residents’ preferences and to open channels of
communication for future community input. The quantity and quality of responses surpassed
expectations and are informing our upcoming recommendations.
Close to 500 residents responded, 92% of which were south Palo Alto residents. The greatest
percentage of responses came from Barron Park, Midtown, Palo Verde, Greenmeadow, and
Green Acres. The majority of respondents were single family residence homeowners, who
revealed their desire for more trees.
More than 95% of respondents strongly agree or agree that there should be more trees in
south Palo Alto.
“On my street years ago, the city planted Shamel Ashes which were a huge tree
uprooting everything and tangling the utility wires. The city has removed them, one by one.
If the city offered my street/neighborhood to replant city trees, I think the neighbors would
love it. We need the correct tree for a neighborhood street.”
‐ Adobe Meadow resident, 11/22/2015
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93% of respondents strongly agree or agree that the City/Canopy should launch a campaign
to plant more trees and engage the community.
“In the past I have worked with Canopy to plant more trees on our street and would
be willing to do it again. I live on Matadero Ave. I'd like to see both Canopy and the City work
together for better street tree pruning. I have had both good and bad luck in the past with
pruning of City owned trees.”
‐ Barron Park resident, 11/21/2015
When asked to identify issues that could prevent tree planting on their property, almost 50%
of respondents indicated that they have no objections to planting more trees.
“Can the city recommend drought tolerant trees? I would be happy to plant one of
those.”
‐ Palo Verde resident, 11/30/2015
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Almost 70% of respondents indicated that they would “very likely” water and take care of a
new street or yard tree if one was provided.
“In addition to adding beauty to our surroundings, trees are vitally important to air
quality, they provide shade for our homes, resulting in energy savings, and they provide
homes for local wildlife. They are well worth any additional water requirements.”
‐ Barron Park resident, 11/21/2015
B. Opportunities arising from survey results
Our final report will propose canopy cover goals for each south Palo Alto neighborhood and
strategies to achieve these goals.
The community survey brought to light opportunities to increase the overall tree canopy cover
in south Palo Alto through 1) A campaign to plant more trees and 2) Measures to prevent
canopy loss in south Palo Alto.
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1. Create a campaign to plant more trees in south Palo Alto
We will provide estimates of how many trees need to be planted, and on what time frame, in
order to reach our canopy goals.
Staff has been inspecting vacant street tree sites in south Palo Alto and has found that, while
infrastructure has rendered some sites obsolete, available vacant sites and potential new sites
should enable an increase to the number of street trees. However, street trees account for only
a small portion of the overall canopy and achieving a significant increase in canopy will rely on
new trees being planted on private property.
The City, residents, non‐governmental organizations, and private businesses all have a part to
play to grow the tree canopy in south Palo Alto. Therefore this approach includes the three
following components:
a. Take advantage of opportunities in public right‐of‐way
Inter‐departmental collaboration is needed to prioritise tree canopy expansion in south Palo
Alto.
For instance, enlisting the help of the Community Services department and Friends of the Palo
Alto Parks will result in a heightened awareness of tree planting opportunities in parks and at
community centers.
As the Public Works department implements the Urban Forest Master Plan’s goal of bringing
the stocking of street tree planting sites to 98%, it will prioritize among the more than 2,000
available sites, those in south Palo Alto.
Capital Improvement Projects also have an important role to play in the early design stages
when trees should be incorporated. In particular, CIPs incorporating “complete street”
principles offer invaluable opportunities to enhance the streetscape by specifying larger
planting strips and appropriate tree species.
b. In partnership with Canopy, engage the south Palo Alto community in the campaign to
plant more trees.
We are evaluating strategies, programs, and incentives deployed successfully in other cities in
the United States. Opportunities to plant more trees include:
‐Encourage and/or incentivise residents to plan for large shade trees in the initial stages
of property redevelopment or landscape remodel. Reach out to architects, landscape
architects, and consulting arborists to enlist their support.
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“I notice new construction‐‐both commercial and residential‐‐ lacks trees. Partly this
is due to "build to property line" design guideline: so the setbacks that provided visual relief
are gone. No room for trees. This is one of the factors that has indelibly changed South Palo
Alto: it needs to change back if we want to reverse the trend toward concrete everything.
Please focus on that. Thanks.”
‐ Barron Park resident, 11/22/2015
‐Engage neighborhood associations to bring neighbors together and empower them to
re‐tree the public‐right‐of‐way and their private yards through neighborhood tree
planting and maintenance events. Provide workshops on how to care for young trees
during the pivotal first three years after planting.
‐Through cutting edge technology such as Open Tree Map, a) increase education and
awareness; b) allow residents to take an active role in monitoring their young trees and
report on the health and success of their new trees using social media; and c) garner
potential sponsors.
“I strongly advocate finding and planting native trees as street trees in Palo Alto. We
are falling behind on our neighboring cities in this front whereas we have been leaders in
alternate energy and plastic bag bans. It is not sufficient to just have more green cover, it
needs to be of higher quality to support the entire ecosystem. Canopy and the city of Palo
Alto can and should work with organizations such as CNPS (California Native Plant Society)
and Acterra to identify and use appropriate native trees.”
‐ Midtown resident, 11/27/2015
‐Position this effort in the context of enhancing the resilience of the
landscape/ecosystem as a whole, and meshing it with efforts to re‐oak Palo Alto, will
further motivate Palo Alto residents who are increasingly interested in the interaction
between the urban and natural environment.
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‐Increase understanding of the state of the urban forest and opinions of property owners
within specific boundaries through data analysis and then target planting or tree care
solutions that are most likely to be successful.
c. Engage south Palo Alto businesses, Palo Alto Unified School District and the faith
community
“It would be wonderful for churches to have help in identifying possible tree
locations, acquiring trees and assistance in digging the holes for planting the trees. It is
important to increase the canopy cover in south Palo Alto to provide songbird habitat, shade,
and CO2 emissions absorption. Church sites are ideal candidates for this.”
‐ Barron Park resident, 11/30/2015
‐Partner with businesses, schools and churches to ensure that trees be prioritized. These
property owners own and maintain a significant share of landscapes in south Palo Alto
and have a lot to gain from a greater tree canopy.
‐Enforce the parking lot 50% shading ordinance to help achieve tree canopy goals.
2. Prevent tree canopy loss
“Very concerned by the recent PG&E plans to remove trees in the South of Palo Alto
area. South of Palo Alto has been increasingly impacted by traffic and commercial
development without a strategic and commensurate plan regarding its tree planting and
green environment and infrastructure. Together with the planting, there must also be a
corresponding maintenance plan and sound guidelines (agreed and supported by the
community) for their care and removal: utilities, water consumption, pruning, root
growth/sidewalk maintenance, etc.”
‐ Saint Claire Gardens resident, 12/02/2015
Many of the Urban Forest Master Plan programs address forest management strategies that
will directly affect south Palo Alto. Emphasis should be placed on efforts that minimize tree
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removals and maximize appropriate tree maintenance. Preventing tree canopy loss can best be
accomplished by employing the following three measures:
a. Examine challenges in public tree maintenance contracts
‐Public Tree Pruning and Removal and Line Clearing Contracts require inspection reports
that are verified by City staff. Best Management Practices and American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) sections are cited to represent the industry criteria for
performing tree care operations, ensure quality control, and justify decisions to
residents.
‐Continued interdepartmental collaboration will further efforts to communicate tree
removal and maintenance to residents in a timely and effective manner while
maintaining contract objectives. Constraints in time and funding, and advanced
challenges such as integration of above and below ground fiber optics will be reviewed
in detail to ensure south Palo Alto’s public trees are prioritized.
b. Enhance communication
‐Make the City’s Urban Forestry code and requirements more accessible and
understandable to the public through community meetings, workshops, and online
resources. Make the Palo Alto Tree Technical Manual, Tree Ordinance, and development
impacts on trees readily available to residents and developers and landscape
professionals.
“I've lived in South Palo Alto over 55 years and am still unclear about what makes a
tree a "street tree" ‐ distance from the (rolled) curb? who planted it and when? what kind of
tree it is? I would like to see more clarity and information available about this ‐ who is
responsible for planting, trimming, checking? what kinds are appropriate and/or available? I
would also like to see something on the City website that identifies the common street trees
around Palo Alto. A picture and description with names and characteristics would be helpful
when trying to decide on a tree or in discussions about them. I appreciate the City's work on
this. Thank you.”
‐ South of Midtown resident, 11/23/2015
‐Establish a new standard for communicating with the public to allow residents to report
public tree‐related concerns to staff easily. Provide timely and effective follow‐up.
Increase communication to residents about scheduled activities in the right‐of‐way, such
as tree planting, pruning, and removals.
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“As a long‐time homeowner‐45+ years‐ I feel that there needs to be more specific
communication. When does the City prune existing trees? How can Homeowners work with
the city to care for their trees? Recommendations from the City to care for City Trees.
Recommendation for trees that would grow well in my area. Assurance that trees planted
are non‐invasive and less likely to affect sewers and foundation.”
‐ South of Midtown resident, 11/23/2015
c. Emphasize urban forest management in City long‐range planning documents
‐Incorporate the role of the urban forest in the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and the
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and how urban trees help achieve these plans’
goals. Dedication of resources to south Palo Alto’s trees should be recognized in these
documents, addressing the need for long‐term tree planting and maintenance.
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