M E M O R A N D U M 05-133

TO: HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM: JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

DATE: JULY 29, 2005

SUBJ: REQUESTING THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TO CONSIDER A TREE STEWARD COMMITTEE AND TO REPORT BACK TO THE COUNCIL AT THE AUGUST 22ND REGULAR MEETING.

Hans Klausner reported to the City Council at the July 25, 2005 Regular Meting and noted Resolution 98-70, adopted by Council on August 24, 1998, authorizing the statement of objectives for the Community Forestry Program for the ten years. Homer Tree Stewards have been meeting with five volunteers: Bridget Paule - Tree Steward, Lindsay Winkler - Garden Club member, Ashley Reed - Professional Tree Maintenance Technician, Valerie Connor and Hansel Klausner - interested citizens.

The Homer Tree Stewards Provided some information that could be used as the starting point for the City Tree Steward Committee:

Mission Statement - To promote health trees and forests in the community of Homer.

Background: With encouragement from the Alaska Division of Forestry (DOF) the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) has coordinated a 5 person board with the intent of fulfilling the goals outlined for the "Tree Board" in Resolution 98-70, passed and adopted by the Homer City council on August 24, 1998. As noted in the Resolution this board is meant to act as a "volunteer citizens advisory committee" to "provide community input to the Park Maintenance Supervisor". This group, calling itself the "Homer Tree Stewards", is committed to developing a collaborative relationship with the City on urban forestry projects. As our mission statement highlights, we are interested in promoting trees and tree health in an attempt at improving the community landscape of Homer.

The Homer Tree Stewards reported on July 25, 2005 to the City Council that they have been meeting for several months and have done some events in the City of Homer that have included projects to promote and encourage healthy trees and forests in the City of Homer. Also that they; 1) applied for and received a grant of $1,000.00 from the Alaska Department of Forestry to provide an Arbor Day Event, and 2) during the Community Park Day gave away over 1,000 Spruce Trees, and 3) organized orchard tours, public schools education events, and tree planting demonstrations. The hope is to provide more events in the City of Homer and work with Community Schools to provide tree health, care and maintenance classes as well as tree steward classes for interested people in the City.

RECOMMENDATION:

Forward this request to the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider a Tree Steward Committee and to Report Back to the Council at the August 22nd Regular Meeting.

Fiscal Note: None at this time.

/mlc