STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life
AGENDA DATE: June 9, 2021
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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A resolution authorizing (1) the adoption of the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP); (2) the coordination of an internal UFMP Staff Task Force to guide implementation of the UFMP; (3) the identification and convening of an UFMP Citywide Task Force formed of a diverse and representative group of external urban forest stakeholders to advise on plan implementation and support regular reporting on the UFMP, and other related issues; and (4) to provide for regular reporting on progress under the UFMP - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information) (This item was deferred on May 26, 2021)
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BACKGROUND
City of Dallas has been working to advance urban forestry since the 1980’s to focus on the protection and preservation of trees in Dallas. June of 2018 was an impactful year for green space in Dallas with both the update to Article X of the Tree and Landscape Ordinance, and the Park Land Dedication ordinance. The revisions to Article X included development of a re-forestation fund under Sustainable Development to allow assessment and payment for trees being removed from the canopy, and measures for developing and implementing an Urban Forest Master Plan to guide planting and tree protection efforts under this fund.
In August of 2018, the City adopted Resilient Dallas plan that included seven goals towards a more equitable, more inclusive City that identified efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change as part of the strategy to make Dallas neighborhoods and our community thrive.
In late 2018, the Texas Trees Foundation proposed working together with the City to develop an Urban Forest Master Plan consistent with Article X, under a public-private non-profit partnership. The plan was developed by incorporating input from focus groups of City staff, stakeholders and tree professionals, as well as seven different opportunities for public review and input into the plan.
The UFMP includes recommendations and action steps that will help Dallas create a healthy, equitable and resilient urban forest through proper planning and implementation of management strategies that maximize the benefits that Dallas’ trees provide. Other goals of the plan are to protect and grow tree canopy in Dallas to reduce temperatures, improve air quality, and to actively address the most pressing challenges facing the City.
The UFMP was developed in parallel with the Comprehensive Environment & Climate Action Plan (CECAP) and fully supports the CECAP goals towards building and strengthening ongoing initiatives to increase tree canopy to 37 percent canopy by 2040, by improving and increasing park spaces, and promoting community stewardship.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 27, 2018, City Council, adopted Ordinance No. 30934, the City Park Land Dedication Ordinance that expands green space in the City of Dallas by requiring park dedication as a part of development planning efforts through Resolution No. 18-0981.
On June 27, 2018, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 30929, the Landscape and Urban Forest Conservation Ordinance to add additional protection for trees within the urban forest canopy in Dallas. This Ordinance amendment included Section 51.A-10.10.135 that encouraged developing and implementing an Urban Forest Master Plan to guide replanting efforts towards increasing overall canopy through Resolution No. 18-0977.
On August 8, 2018, City Council adopted the Resilient Dallas plan, that identified efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change as part of the strategy to make Dallas neighborhoods and our community thrive by Resolution No. 18-1026.
On January 23, 2019, City Council adopted a resolution calling for federal action on climate change and initiating local efforts to develop a comprehensive environmental and climate plan with goals that will ensure that the City of Dallas is addressing the environment and climate change in a manner that is effective and equitable through Resolution No. 19-0223.
On May 27, 2020, City Council unanimously adopted the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) consistent with Resolution No. 19-0223 and including actions supporting implementing an Urban Forest Master Plan outlined in Section 51.A-10.135 (h) (2) of the Tree and Landscape Ordinance (Article X) through Resolution No. 20-0688.
On September 9, 2020, City Council adopted revisions to the Landscape and Urban Forest Conservation Ordinance to allow purchase of trees for private residential property affected by a natural deforestation event impacting the urban forest canopy in Dallas through Resolution No. 20-1617.
The Environment & Sustainability Committee was briefed on this matter on November 4, 2019, February 1, 2021, and May 3, 2021.
On May 26, 2021, this item was deferred by Councilmember Omar Narvaez.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. Current funding for the Urban Forest Master Plan resides within the related operations budgets of Dallas Water Utilities, Park and Recreation, Public Works, and Sustainable Development Departments. Future year appropriations for other related initiatives will be established through the annual budget development process, subject to City Council approval.