STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Transportation & Infrastructure
AGENDA DATE: October 25, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Water Utilities Department
EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the (1) acceptance of a grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service Region, R8 (Grant No. 23-DG-11083150-602, Federal Assistance Listing No. 10.730), in the amount of $750,000.00 to perform urban tree inventory and condition assessment (2) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $750,000.00 in the USDA Forest Service Region R8 Fund; (3) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $750,000.00 in the USDA Forest Service Region R8 Fund and; (4) execution of the grant agreement with the USDA, Forest Service Region, R8 and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $750,000.00 - Financing: USDA, Forest Service Region, R8 Grant Funds
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BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas is working towards a complete a tree inventory of public open spaces throughout the 400 square mile area. As part of the 2021 Urban Forest Master Plan, the City identified the need for a comprehensive tree inventory and assessment to address management of the existing tree canopy, expansion of the canopy, and to ensure that public equitability across the City is based on the needs of the community.
Trees provide public health benefits and reduce stormwater runoff and cool impervious ground cover, thereby reducing temperatures and preserving natural resources. There are approximately 39,000 acres of property to be inventoried. The City has purchased software (TreeKeeper) and uses in kind work with staff and trained community foresters. The current schedule will take approximately 8 years to complete without additional resources. This funding will expedite the process and provide more complete information for decision making and to ensure equitable investments across Dallas. The City expects that project will be a long range one that will require additional funding in future years.
USDA funding will provide the City with the ability to supplement existing efforts with additional contract support and is estimated to be undertaken over 36 months with four tasks included. These tasks include tree inventory and assessment efforts including parks, street rights of ways, city owned creeks and floodway management areas and the Dallas Floodway Extension/Great Trinity Forest. Data will be entered into the web-based Tree-Keeper software. The deliverable, a detailed document containing and showing data from TreeKeeper software is expected to be finalized by July 2025. The City of Dallas will review the document and utilize the information to inform future tree management strategies and urban planning decisions.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 9, 2021, the City Council adopted the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) that coordinates a UFMP Staff Task Force to guide implementation of the UFMP by Resolution No. 21-1064.
On May 27, 2022, the City Council was briefed by memorandum on FY23 Community Projects, including the Urban Tree Inventory Project.
On December 28, 2022, the City Council was briefed by memorandum on FY23 Community Projects, including the Urban Tree Inventory Project.
On August 30, 2023, the Ad-Hoc Legislative Affairs Committee was briefed on federal legislative activities, including FY23 Community Projects.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Future Years |
|
USDA, Forest Service Region, R8 Grant Funds |
$750,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$750,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |