We urgently need an Urban Forestry Program

Our City has a mature tree population and many wonderful woodlands, natural areas and streams. However, left without proper management these areas are being overrun by invasive plants, which can destroy even large trees over a surprisingly short span of time, and inadequate protection and no long term planning. Our staff does its best, but we need expertise in a position of authority within the city organization to implement a robust and focused urban forestry management program. I am very supportive of the overall endeavor exemplified by this report to do a better job of caring for and ensuring the longevity of our public trees. But lets not miss the forest for the trees. This is an urban forest program. I am concerned that the report does not reflect a holistic approach to the management of natural systems of the urban forest nor the challenges of turf battles and inconsistencies of management between departments. We need an overarching program that informs park management, tree canopy, public lands management and stream protection as well as policies and procedures. The Comp Plan states we want to preserve and protect the natural environment. Let's have an Office of the Environment that reflects that goal.