City of Sacramento
Racial Equity Committee Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2024-01446 8/13/2024 Discussion Item 3.
Draft Sacramento Urban Forest Plan
File ID: 2024-01446
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Review and comment.
Contact: Rachel Patten, Program Specialist, (916) 808-5016, [email protected]; Kevin Hocker, City Urban Forester, (916) 808-4996, [email protected]; Lucinda Willcox, Assistant Director, (916) 808-5052, [email protected]; Department of Public Works Presenter: Rachel Patten, Program Specialist, (916) 808-5016, [email protected], Department of Public Works
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Priority Intervention Areas Map
3-Policy Framework and Implementation Strategy
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail:
The City of Sacramento released a draft of the Sacramento Urban Forest Plan (SUFP) for public review. The SUFP will be the City’s primary planning tool for the protection, expansion, maintenance, sustainability, and enhancement of Sacramento’s urban forest.
In the draft SUFP, the Social Equity section of the Status of Sacramento’s Urban Forest chapter, provides context to the intersection of racial equity and urban tree canopy within the City. Multiple scientific studies have been conducted in Sacramento demonstrating correlations between tree cover, urban heat, race, income, and public health. Based on those studies and significant public feedback on the prioritization of equity, “urban forest priority intervention areas” were identified.
These priority areas were selected based on census tract level data for existing tree canopy, state or federal designation as a disadvantaged community, and ground level exposure to extreme heat.
The draft SUFP recommends that canopy expansion efforts should be focused first on those priority residential neighborhoods with the lowest canopy, highest vulnerability to extreme heat, most
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socio-economically vulnerable populations, and the most significant potential for canopy increase.
Further policies and the associated recommendations and implementation actions within the draft SUFP that are specific to the Racial Equity Committee’s purview can be found in Attachment 3-Policy Framework and Implementation Strategy of this staff report.
The draft SUFP was developed through a multi-year, phased planning effort, which corresponded to the timing of Sacramento’s 2040 General Plan update. While the 2040 General Plan identifies overarching goals for the urban forest within the context of other City goals and initiatives, the SUFP provides more detailed direction to City departments for the policies, programs, and implementation actions needed to guide annual work planning towards achievement of the overarching tree canopy goals. Following the General Plan process and scheduled as a Subsequent Project under the Master Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan update, the SUFP has now reached an important milestone with the release of the SUFP public review draft.
The draft SUFP was available for a 60-day public review and comment period from April 26 through June 21. To simplify the collection and processing of feedback on the public review draft, the project team created an online self-guided workshop. The draft SUFP and the online self-guided workshop were available on the project website: www.cityofsacramento.gov/sactreeplan. Over 550 comments were provided through the online workshop and staff were able to speak directly to the public and receive comments at over 20 community meetings and events. Project staff are currently viewing and considering all public comments to inform potential revisions to the SUFP. Staff anticipate finalizing redlined edits and bringing the SUFP forward to Council for an adoption hearing in Fall 2024.
Questions can be submitted to project staff via email at [email protected].
The initial development process for the draft SUFP included extensive public engagement (summarized in the Community Priorities section of the draft SUFP) and in-depth technical analysis to help ensure the recommendations included were technically sound and rooted in existing conditions. The community priorities and technical analysis of the urban forest have informed the development of four Key Recommendations. The Key Recommendations will guide the way the City manages, invests in, and supports the urban forest. They are meant to be straightforward and responsive to the priorities and vision of Sacramento’s urban forest over the next 20 years. These Key Recommendations form the basis for the Policy and Program Framework and the Implementation Strategy (Attachment 3) which both provide detailed direction to City staff on actions needed to guide annual work planning.
The four Key Recommendations include:
1) Trees and ______: Trees should be addressed as critical infrastructure that helps support climate adaptation and targeted environmental and public health goals. 2) City of Trees for All: Targeting planting efforts in the neighborhoods with the lowest canopy
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levels, highest heat exposure, and most socio-economically vulnerable residents will ensure that Sacramento can be the City of Trees for all residents and the benefits of trees are shared equitably. 3) Protect Trees: Reaching the canopy goal will require protecting existing, healthy trees and ensuring that young trees are able to grow to express their full potential canopy. 4) Invest in Canopy: Increased City funding, staffing, and maintenance capacity is needed to carry out the expanded planting, maintenance, enforcement, and engagement responsibilities necessary to achieve the Citywide tree canopy goal of 35 percent. Associated efforts and investments from private partners and the public will be necessary; the City does not own sufficient plantable space to reach the community canopy goal alone.
The draft SUFP was developed with the guiding principles of civic pride and community health, resilience to climate change, equity, partnership and engagement, and a community planned for trees. By outlining a feasible approach and realistic projects and programs, the SUFP provides implementable recommendations that align with the City’s core values and goals, and the community’s vision for the future.
Policy Considerations: The Draft Sacramento Urban Forest Plan is consistent with the 2040 General Plan. The primary 2040 General Plan (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/community- development/planning/long-range/general-plan/2040-general-plan) policies the SUFP aligns with are:
ERC-3. A well-maintained, resilient, healthy, expansive, and equitable urban forest for an environmentally sustainable future.
ERC-3.1. Urban Forest Plan. The City shall maintain and implement an Urban Forest Plan.
ERC-3.2. Tree Canopy Expansion. The City should strive to achieve a 25 percent urban tree canopy cover by 2030 and 35 percent by 2045. Prioritize tree planting and tree maintenance in areas with the lowest average canopy cover and explore strategies to reduce barriers to tree planting in disadvantaged communities and improve tree health.
ERC-3.3. Tree Protection. The City shall encourage public agencies and require private development projects to consider alternatives to removals of healthy trees whenever feasible and to evaluate the loner-term consequences of inability to meet tree canopy objectives when conducting project analyses and environmental documents. Ensure adequate protection during construction to protect existing tree roots and structures.
In addition to these primary policies, which provided the core foundation for the SUFP’s development, the SUFP is also consistent with the following 2040 General Plan policies:
Land Use and Placemaking
LUP-4.1 Transit-Supportive Development
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LUP-5.2 Shopping Centers as Focal Points
LUP-6.5 Established Neighborhoods
LUP-8.1 Unique Sense of Place
LUP-8.5 Development Adjacent to Freeways and Railroad Corridors LUP-8.9 People-Friendly Design
LUP-8.12 Design of Privately-Developed Public Spaces
LUP-8.14 Streetscape Beautification
LUP-A.10 Planning and Development Code Update
Environmental Resources and Constraints
ERC-2.3 Onsite Preservation
ERC-2.4 Native and Climate-Adapted Plants
ERC-3.4 Private Streets
ERC-3.5 Tree List
ERC-3.6 Urban Forest Maintenance
ERC-3.7 Trees of Significance
ERC-3.8 Public Education
ERC-3.9 Watering and Irrigation
ERC-3.10 Parking Lot Shading
ERC-3.11 Planting
ERC-A.1 Urban Forest Plan
ERC-A.2 Tree Education
ERC-A.4 Heat Reduction in the Public Realm
ERC-A.5 Bus Shelter Design
ERC-A.7 Cooling Landscape Standards
ERC-A.9 Minimum Tree Requirements
ERC-A.10 Parking Lot Shading Ordinance
FB-ERC-1 Tree Planting and Maintenance
Environmental Justice
EJ-1.3 Data-Informed Efforts
EJ-3.4 Healthy Environment
AA-EJ-1 Tree Planting in Parking Lots
NS-EJ-2 Tree Planting
Mobility
M-1.32 Supportive Infrastructure in the Public Right-of-Way M-3.1 Local Streets
M-3.2 Street Design
NS-M-1 Street Extensions
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Youth, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
YPRO-1.20 Climate Resilient Design
Environmental Considerations: The informational update in this report is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), because it is an administrative activity that does not involve any commitment to a specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, as contemplated by Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Sections 15378(b)(2) and is, therefore, not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c) (3). A Master EIR was prepared for the 2040 General Plan. The Sacramento Urban Forest Plan is one of the subsequent projects of the 2040 General Plan Master EIR and will be reviewed in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15177 prior to adoption.
Sustainability: Policies pertaining to sustainability have been incorporated into the Draft SUFP.
Commission/Committee Action: None.
Rationale for Recommendation: Staff are requesting the Racial Equity Committee’s help in providing feedback and sharing the information regarding the draft SUFP.
Financial Considerations: Staff will work to identify resources to fund the policies and implementation actions in the SUFP, including the recommended increases to funding, staffing, and maintenance capacity to carry out the recommended planting, maintenance, enforcement, and engagement responsibilities necessary to achieve a City-wide tree canopy goal of 35 percent. Given that 90 percent of the urban forest is on private property, associated efforts and investments from private partners and the public will be necessary.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
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Priority Intervention Areas
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Note: Priority criteria include urban heat, CA or Federal disadvantaged community status, and low tree canopy.
All areas of the City require urban forestry efforts, but this priority map will be used to support strengthened interventions in areas with the highest need. Within priority areas, program efforts will further emphasize residential areas, corridors, and parks and consider existingJ�fr,i!mJ.,cture constraints.
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SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
72 Sacramento City Hall
Policy and
Program Framework
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
73 The Sacramento Urban Forest Plan outlines a comprehensive framework to align urban forestry policies and programs with the City’s land use, climate, health, transportation, and equity goals.
Based on assessment of the urban forest and professional and community input, the goals, policies, and implementation strategies identified in this Policy and Program Framework are grounded in the following vision and guiding principles.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
74 VISION
The City of Sacramento, together with community investment and involvement, will reinforce Sacramento’s legacy as the “City of Trees” . The City will address historic inequity in access to nature, and prioritize the sustainable management and expansion of the urban tree canopy to provide extensive benefits and reprieve from the impacts of climate change for generations of Sacramentans to come.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
75 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Identified with collaborative input from community
stakeholders, the following guiding principles established the foundation on which all Goals, Strategies, Policies, and Implementation Actions included in the SUFP were developed. > Civic Pride and Community Health:
Sacramento’s urban forest is essential to the city’s identity, livability, and community health.
> Resilience to Climate Change:
Preserving, strengthening, and adapting the urban forest is a critical strategy in responding to climate change.
> Equity:
All communities are entitled to the same access to tree canopy and its benefits. Inequities in tree canopy must be addressed.
> Partnership and Engagement:
The urban forest is a community resource, and urban forest programs and priorities need to be achieved through collaboration and shared responsibility between the City, community members, and external partners.
> Planned-for Trees:
Incorporating tree canopy into development is a priority, to allow trees to grow to maturity without interfering with adjacent infrastructure and contribute to canopy cover goals.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
76 GOALS & STRATEGIES
The Policy and Program Framework and Implementation Strategy are both based on the following five goals for the urban forest. Each goal is accompanied by a series of strategies, which are required to achieve it.
Goal 1: GROW
Grow the urban forest through new
plantings to support livable neighborhoods,
mitigate the impacts of climate change and
reinforce the City’s legacy as the “City of Trees. ”
Strategies:
1. Expand Canopy
2. Plan for Trees
3. Canopy Equity
Goal 3: MANAGE
Manage the urban forest through coordinated
planning, design, and maintenance to ensure
its long-term health and sustainability.
Strategies:
1. Organizational Best Practices
2. Manage Risk
3. Regular Maintenance
4. Enforce Standards
5. Manage for Co-benefits
Goal 5: SUSTAIN
Sustain the growth, development, and
continuity of city urban forest programs
through dedicated funding and innovation.
Strategies:
1. Program Funding
2. Incentive Programs
3. Innovation
Goal 2: STEWARD
Steward the City’s existing trees to preserve
canopy and protect the urban forest from
biological and cultural threats and loss.
Strategies:
1. Canopy Resilience
2. Native Forest Resilience
3. Tree Protection
Goal 4: ENGAGE
Engage, educate, and coordinate with
community members, public agencies,
partners, and private businesses to care for
and grow the urban forest.
Strategies:
1. Community Engagement
2. Partner Coordination
3. Youth Engagement
4. Workforce Development
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
77 Strategy 1 .1 Expand Canopy
Increase the current levels of canopy to maximize the benefits of the urban forest.
Policies + Implementation Actions
1 .1 .1 The City shall strive to achieve a minimum average City-wide tree canopy of 25 percent by 2030 and 35 percent by 2045 .
A. To this end, the City shall aim for the following minimum City-wide 2045 canopy coverage goals in its planning, restoration, and urban forest implementation efforts. • Residential neighborhoods: 40 percent
• Streets and sidewalks: 50 percent
• Parking lots: 50 percent 79
• Commercial and mixed-use areas: 25 percent
• Industrial areas: 20 percent
• Public facilities and parks: maximize tree canopy based on usable space.
B. These goals will help drive land use and planning standards and decisions. The City will prioritize efforts and programs for more tree planting in those areas substantially below these goals, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and where heat island effects are greatest.
1 .1 .2 Establish a parks tree planting program .
A. Maximize trees within new parks’ plans to the extent feasible while providing for other desired recreational amenities.
B. Increase tree planting in passive recreation and landscape areas within existing parks that can accommodate more new trees.
C. Prioritize tree plantings and installing appropriate irrigation in parks and public spaces in communities where tree canopy coverage is low to provide greater access to greenery and shade.
D. Identify funding to establish a consistent tree planting, irrigation, and tree replacement program for parks.
79 In some instances, shading may be accomplished through installation of carports and/or overhead solar arrays or other efforts that have sustainability benefits.
Grow
Goal 1: Grow the urban forest through new plantings to support livable neighborhoods, protect residents and visitors from the impact of climate change, and reinforce the City’s legacy as the “City of Trees .” SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
78 1 .1 .3 Continue to operate a street tree planting program .
A. Maintain optimum stocking density along City right-of-way.
B. Strive to replace removed trees within a maximum of two years.
C. Incorporate street tree plantings into new development.
D. Where feasible, incorporate street tree planting into complete street transformations for corridors developed without planting strips.
Strategy 1 .2 Plan for Trees
Incorporate trees into all levels of planning and development to ensure existing trees are preserved, an adequate number of new trees are planted to reach canopy goals, and that trees can grow to maturity without interfering with adjacent infrastructure.
Policies + Implementation Actions
1 .2 .1 Amend Sacramento City Code80 as necessary to improve tree canopy inclusion and require minimum levels of tree planting in development projects . Review the following topics at a minimum:
A. Review City Code and Planned Unit Development Guidelines for opportunities to add requirements for trees in setback areas, particularly located to shade sidewalks, bikeways and streets based on minimum canopy goals, particularly in new single-unit dwelling developments/subdivisions
B. Opportunities to provide incentives or requirements for inclusion of trees in front, back, and side yards;
C. Requiring consideration of tree placement in site plan and design review to maximize energy conservation;
D. Guidance on solar panel installation requirements to minimize potential conflicts with tree plantings;
E. Guidance defining how tree permits for ministerial development project reviews are processed, including timing of tree removal permit application processing and approved tree removals within the review, and permitting process; F. Guidance on tree selection, prioritizing City-approved tree species that are climate- appropriate and more likely to survive projected climatic changes in the Sacramento Valley; and
G. Identify types of commercial and industrial developments with space appropriate for large trees and consider applying a higher level of specificity of tree-related requirements, including but not limited to trees species, mature canopy diameter, and post-construction inspection.
80 Review and amendment of Sacramento City Code shall include Title 17 Planning and Development Code and Title 12 Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places code. (https://library.qcode.us/lib/sacramento_ca/pub/city_code) SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
79 1 .2 .2 Review and update design guidelines and development standards to support achievement of minimum canopy goals, outlined in strategy 1 .1 .1, and maximize benefits .
A. Trees should be provided with adequate growing space, aligned to reduce building heat and to shade public walkways to the extent feasible.
B. Require adequate soil treatment and space in plantings to ensure long term success.
C. Identify appropriate long-term irrigation solutions. Include tertiary treated water and/or water re-use for new plantings on city property where feasible.
D. Plant the right tree, in the right place, for the right reason. When planting trees or preparing or approving tree plans, require adequate space and appropriate species for the location. Incorporate shade trees as street trees to the extent feasible.
E. Identify appropriate recommendations for tree height and placement to avoid conflicts with pedestrian scale lighting and signage.
1 .2 .3 Encourage development plans to meet minimum canopy goals, identified in strategy 1 .1 .1, within 15 years .
A. Identify and implement methods to include tree canopy assessment and recommendations in the development review process. Enact new review fees as necessary to address this requirement.
B. In development plans where there is not adequate space to allow for trees on individual lots, strategies such as plazas, paseos, parks, and robust street tree programs should be utilized to meet canopy goals.
C. When development is proposed with no or limited trees due to the level of lot coverage or other conditions, identify how and where occupants or users will access trees or other shading and employ adequate shading mitigations.
D. Develop a calculator tool to help determine canopy potential for development projects.
E. Identify and establish metrics, processes, and fees to begin monitoring, tracking, and reporting on number of trees planted in new development, average future canopy predicted, and trees removed.
1 .2 .4 Develop mechanisms that require or incentivize preservation of existing trees during site development when feasible .
A. Provide maximum flexibility in development standards to preserve existing trees and promote improved future tree canopy levels, especially for residential urban infill projects.
B. Continue to ensure Chapter 12.56 of City Code is enforced for all tree removals associated with development projects requiring ministerial review.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
80 1 .2 .5 Identify strategies to strengthen implementation of the Parking Lot Shading Ordinance and Parking Lot Shading Design and Maintenance Guidelines to support achievement of a minimum of 50 percent shading within 15 years .
A. Review and amend Chapter 17.612.040 of City Code Tree Shading Requirements for Parking Lots and Parking Lot Shading Design and Maintenance Guidelines to ease compliance, improve site plan review, climate-resilient tree selection, inspection, and monitoring, and strengthen requirements for ongoing maintenance and replacement of parking lot trees.
B. Identify when and how shading requirements may be satisfied through alternate methods such as canopies and solar arrays.
C. Develop resources to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the Parking Lot Shade Ordinance after parking lots are completed.
D. Develop an inventory of parking lots that are subject to the parking lot shade ordinance to aid in monitoring and enforcement efforts.
E. Explore amending Chapter 12.56 of City Code to include required parking lot trees under the definition of private protected trees.
F. Pursue opportunities, including grant funding and partnerships, to add trees in existing parking lots that have no or limited tree canopy. These efforts shall focus on disadvantaged neighborhoods, particularly those with the greatest heat island impacts. 1 .2 .6 Support the achievement of 50 percent tree shading over streets and sidewalks .
A. Incorporate tree canopy strategies in the Streets for People active transportation plan.
B. Update street standards to optimize tree canopy and provide solutions for various street functions and conditions.
C. Require street trees on approved private streets unless clearly infeasible. Develop specific conditions under which trees on private streets may be deemed infeasible and plans approved without the inclusion of street trees. If street trees are infeasible, locations within the development shall be identified for inclusion of green space and tree canopy.
D. When planning and implementing complete streets projects, the City will incorporate tree planting with adequate planter space and irrigation as an essential infrastructure element to the extent feasible given physical conditions. Emphasis will be placed on shading sidewalks and bikeways.
1 .2 .7 Ensure the successful establishment of trees incorporated into development .
A. Developers will be responsible for planting required trees and ensuring health and survival for those trees using landscape warranty conditions where feasible and identifying the party responsible for tree maintenance and establishment when their obligation ends.
B. Developers shall use healthy trees and responsible irrigation practices in planting efforts to promote success and reduce young tree mortality.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
81 C. Trees that are not healthy shall be replaced prior to the completion of the building permit.
Explore options to provide for tree warranties on private property after the building permit is completed.
D. Develop resources to broaden the inspections of development projects to include review of compliance with approved landscaping plans, technical planting requirements, and tree health.
Strategy 1 .3 Canopy Equity
Seek to address historic inequities, remove barriers to tree adoption, and ensure the urban forest is shared equitably81 across all communities82.
Policies + Implementation Actions
1 .3 .1 Prioritize City planting efforts and implementation of urban forest programs in priority communities .
1 .3 .2 Support and facilitate canopy expansion efforts on private property across the City with focus in priority communities .
A. Take action to support equitable urban forestry canopy expansion, maintenance, and benefits on private property across all communities and ensure programs are informed by diverse perspectives and focused to address those communities in greatest need.
B. Maximize involvement in urban forestry programs from residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods by enhancing community engagement and available urban forestry programs and resources.
81 Because equity is a guiding principle of the SUFP , equity-centered policies and implementation actions are also embedded into the other goals and strategies in this plan.
82 Priority communities for urban forestry programming will be identified through regular assessment of Disadvantaged Community status, urban heat indices, tree canopy percentage, air quality indices, and public health concerns.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
82 Strategy 2 .1 Canopy Resilience
Ensure Sacramento’s urban forest is resilient and prepared for the biotic and abiotic83 impacts of climate change necessary for the longevity and success of the city’s trees.
Policies + Implementation Actions
2 .1 .1 Promote biological diversity in tree species and age for the city’s urban forest to maintain resilience .
Strive to ensure that overall City tree planting efforts, including trees planted by the City and trees associated with approved development projects, follow the 10/20/30 rule for species diversity, except in instances when planting native trees for native forest enhancement or reforestation.
2 .1 .2 Create a master recommended tree list to ensure that all trees planted by the City or associated with approved development projects are suitable for changing climate conditions in Sacramento .
A. Recommended trees shall be used to guide public and private plantings. This list will be modified as conditions change and will identify how trees not on this list will be evaluated for inclusion in City approvals.
B. Continue to support research and partnerships with research institutions to identify tree species that demonstrate substantial adaptability to the impacts of climate change expected in the Sacramento area.
C. Update the recommended tree list to include identifying information about each species to assist in proper tree selection, include characteristics such as amount of shade cover provided, size of planter needed, soil conditions needed, water use needs, and carbon sequestration capabilities.
D. Include native trees on the master recommended tree list and identify appropriate use cases.
2 .1 .3 Continue to monitor and identify pest threats and take preventative actions to anticipate threats and minimize potential impacts .
83 Biotic factors are living things with an ecosystem (ex: plants, animals, bacteria); Abiotic factors are non-living components in an ecosystem (ex. water, soil, atmosphere).
Steward
Goal 2: Steward the City’s existing trees to preserve canopy and protect the urban forest from biological and cultural threats and loss .
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83 Strategy 2 .2 Native Forest Resilience
Conserve native oaks and woodlands as a valuable tool for climate adaptation that can address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Policies + Implementation Actions
2 .2 .1 Preserve native trees, woodlands, native species, and riparian areas to the extent feasible in recognition of their ties to the area’s natural history, ability to sustain ecosystems, and adaptation to Sacramento’s hot and dry climate . 2 .2 .2 Incorporate native plantings into the urban forest and parks when appropriate and to the extent feasible .
When planting native trees for native forest enhancement or reforestation, select species based on ecological appropriateness instead of adhering to the 10/20/30 rule for species diversity. 2 .2 .3 Advocate for regional forest corridors to facilitate adaptation and migration of native tree species and wildlife .
Explore developing and adopting a natural area plan in coordination with other agencies in the region.
Strategy 2 .3 Tree Protection
Preserve existing tree canopy and healthy mature trees84 as vital for maintaining current canopy levels, meeting canopy goals, and adapting to climate change. Enforce tree protection standards to better protect the urban forest from loss of existing trees.
Policies + Implementation Actions
2 .3 .1 Preserve mature trees in development to the extent feasible .
A. Support preservation of healthy trees in the City’s regulations and discretionary decisions for new development and redevelopment.
B. Require development projects to consider alternatives to removal of healthy trees and only consider removals of healthy, mature trees when alternatives to removal prove infeasible.
C. Consider long-term energy and economic benefits of tree inclusion against reductions in initial development costs when assessing development proposals.
D. Design public projects to avoid the removal of or damage to city trees to the extent feasible.
84 For this policy document, mature trees are defined using the definition of private protected trees within Chapter 12.56 of City Code.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
84 2 .3 .2 Protect existing trees during construction .
A. Require adequate protection during construction to protect existing tree roots and structure.
B. Develop a tree protection manual for construction projects. 2 .3 .3 Require mitigation for tree removal to include onsite or offsite plantings and/or tree removal fees .
A. Support opportunities to allow for mitigation in priority communities. 2 .3 .4 Encourage appropriate watering and irrigation practices to minimize water use while supporting healthy tree growth .
A. Support initiatives that encourage other entities and private property owners to practice responsible tree irrigation during droughts to minimize tree stress and loss.
B. Upgrade or supplement irrigation in parks and streetscapes where needed to support appropriate tree watering practices.
2 .3 .5 Assess the success of objectives and enforcement of the City’s Tree Ordinance (City Code Chapter 12 .56) to encourage the preservation and care of private protected trees .
A. Take action as necessary to strengthen enforcement of tree regulations and requirements.
B. Regularly assess fines for violations, especially for repeat offenders.
C. Develop educational materials to promote tree protection ordinance and increase community awareness about tree protection requirements, particularly to landscape and tree care companies.
D. Require tree removals that are a part of private development projects or City projects be approved by the hearing body as a part of project approval. 2 .3 .6 Support the use of proper pruning techniques on privately maintained trees .
A. Provide education to support appropriate pruning practices on privately maintained trees and trees maintained by other agencies.
B. Encourage use of certified arborists for guidance on tree care and maintenance.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
85 Strategy 3 .1 Organizational Best Practices
Seek to include necessary resources to manage city trees at a sustainable level.
Policies + Implementation Actions
3 .1 .1 Employ professional urban forest staff and rely on urban forestry best management practices .
A. Seek to maintain adequate and qualified urban forestry staffing and supporting contracts to appropriately maintain City trees and provide high levels of customer service.
B. Maintain a high level of professionalism by requiring certified arborists and adherence to professional standards and best urban forest management practices for decision making, maintenance, care, and planting of trees under City authority. 3 .1 .2 Strengthen collaboration and support between all City departments that manage trees .
A. Coordinate an internal working group with key staff from relevant departments and divisions.
3 .1 .3 Conduct annual reporting on the urban forest plan to ensure progress toward goals and appropriate resource allocation .
A. Assess the urban forest program staffing levels, funding allocation and utilization, status of SUFP objectives, and tree planting and removal activities.
B. Provide an annual update to the City Council.
3 .1 .4 Strive to perform regular 5-year updates to the Urban Forest Plan and canopy cover assessment and analysis reports .
A. Strive to perform a canopy cover assessment aligned with the CAAP update greenhouse gas inventory.
B. Explore funding to support SUFP and canopy cover assessment and analysis report updates.
Manage
Goal 3: Manage the urban forest through coordinated planning, design, and maintenance to ensure its long-term health and sustainability .
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86 Strategy 3 .2 Manage Risk
Utilize tree risk management policies, procedures, and practices to minimize the risk of injury and property damage.
Policies + Implementation Actions
3 .2 .1 Rely on industry best management practices for pest control, disease prevention, and hazard mitigation measures in urban environments in treatment of City-managed trees .
A. Require regular disease and pest training for City urban forestry staff.
B. Continue to monitor City-managed trees for signs of emergent pests and diseases and take proactive measures to address threats.
C. Continue to monitor and address as necessary City-managed trees that have structural deficiencies, disease, or may cause harm.
3 .2 .2 Maintain and implement emergency response plans for storm events that result in tree loss and damage .
3 .2 .3 Minimize future damage or conflict by planning for trees as a part of infrastructure .
A. Require proper planting space and tree selections to minimize conflicts and damage to infrastructure assets, including sidewalks, overhead lines, underground utilities, and solar panels.
Strategy 3 .3 Regular Maintenance
Perform regular maintenance on City trees to improve the health, longevity, safety, and functional capacity of the urban forest.
Policies + Implementation Actions
3 .3 .1 Continue to operate a proactive tree maintenance program to preserve and protect City-managed trees .
A. Strive to achieve a 5-year maintenance pruning cycle. 3 .3 .2 Update and regularly maintain a comprehensive inventory of all City-managed trees .
A. Integrate inventories across City departments into one central inventory.
B. Perform a comprehensive inventory update to capture all street trees, park trees, trees on City-managed facilities, and vacant planting stalls.
C. Implement procedures to regularly incorporate new plantings, tree removals, and tree maintenance into the inventory on an on-going basis.
D. Explore coordination and integration of inventories with other public agencies with land in the city limits, including but not limited to the State of California, County of Sacramento, UC Davis, Sacramento State, Los Rios Community College District, public school districts, and public utilities.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
87 Strategy 3 .4 Manage for Co-benefits
Plan to maximize the co-benefits of the urban forest throughout trees’ full life cycle.
Policies + Implementation Actions
3 .4 .1 Support tree reuse efforts within the City to extend the life cycle of trees .
A. When large trees need to be removed as a part of a Capital Improvement Project or private development, identify options for the highest and best use of the wood, including urban lumber or mulching programs.
3 .4 .2 Explore opportunities to leverage the benefits of trees to retain stormwater runoff .
A. Identify opportunities to incorporate trees into stormwater runoff systems. 3 .4 .3 When designing transportation improvements, support the inclusion of adequate tree canopy to provide substantial shade for active transportation infrastructure and support achievement of 50 percent shading on streets and sidewalks .
A. When conducting active transportation audits, identify opportunities to add shade trees on public and private land.
B. Review procedures to ensure that inclusion and preservation of trees are part of transportation planning and projects.
C. To the extent feasible require the inclusion of trees and irrigation in all road diets, transportation Capital Improvement Projects, and private development projects altering the roadway.
D. When conducting active transportation audits, identify opportunities to add shade trees on public and private land.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
88 Strategy 4 .1 Community Engagement
Support community advocacy for and involvement in the urban forest.
Policies + Implementation Actions
4 .1 .1 Recognize and promote the city’s urban forest .
A. Annually celebrate Arbor Day to promote awareness of the city’s tree canopy and benefits.
B. Annually maintain the City’s status as a Tree City USA85.
C. Promote the City of Sacramento’s urban forest nationally and internationally to encourage visitors and tourism.
4 .1 .2 Conduct City-wide urban forest public outreach and education .
A. Inform and educate residents about the urban forest, City-maintained tree operations and maintenance, available tree planting and water-wise irrigation programs, and opportunities to support the urban forest.
B. Develop informational materials to provide to homeowners, tenants, and business owners to support tree canopy, including but not limited to the following topics:
• Information on tree benefits, planting guidance, tree selection and care, available programs, and water-wise irrigation.
• Information about tree species that are adapted to Sacramento’s climate and resilient to drought and climate change.
• Guidance on tree planting to maximize building energy conservation. • Guidance to plant and maintain healthy trees in parking lots. • Options and strategies to convert paved areas to tree planting areas.
C. Update the City’s urban forestry website to improve available information and references to tree partners and opportunities.
D. Target public outreach in disadvantaged, high heat, and low-canopy neighborhoods.
E. Identify opportunities to provide translated and/or bilingual outreach and education materials.
F. Develop partnerships with community-based organizations to strengthen multi-lingual and culturally appropriate engagement.
85 Tree City USA is a recognition earned from the Arbor Day Foundation through demonstrated commitment to trees. (https://www.arborday.org/programs/ treecityusa/)
Engage
Goal 4: Engage, educate, and coordinate with community members, public agencies, partners, and private businesses to care for and grow the urban forest .
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
89 4 .1 .3 Encourage active participation by residents in the development and promotion of a sustainable urban forest .
A. Establish a tree ambassador program.
B. Provide and support educational events about the benefits of trees, proper irrigation and water use, and tree care and pruning.
C. Encourage and support community tree planting, volunteer, and community forestry efforts of other agencies and partners.
D. Target City-led community tree planting events and volunteer opportunities in disadvantaged, high heat, and low-canopy neighborhoods.
Strategy 4 .2 Partner Coordination
Facilitate coordination, involvement, and commitment from all entities that own, control, regulate, or affect the urban forest.
Policies + Implementation Actions
4 .2 .1 Continue existing partnerships and establish new partnerships .
A. Strengthen partnerships with other agencies, organizations, contractors, and public utilities whose activities impact trees through regular dialogue and project coordination.
B. Establish new partnerships and memoranda of understanding with partners to deliver tree planting, maintenance, and education projects and reach City tree program goals.
C. Collaborate with groups such as the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, State of California, Sacramento County, Los Rios Community College District, K-12 school districts, Tribes, Sacramento Tree Foundation, environmental groups, community and neighborhood associations, business and property improvement districts, and other agencies and organizations to expand tree planting, preservation, and care programs throughout the city. 4 .2 .2 Support and encourage businesses to increase tree canopy .
A. Work with businesses and property improvement districts to incorporate and add trees to business corridors, streets, and parking lots.
B. Explore incentives and other programs to encourage the addition of trees to commercial properties and parking lots.
C. Develop and implement a pilot program to retrofit existing low canopy parking lots to increase tree canopy and reduce urban heat.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
90 4 .2 .3 Strengthen partnerships with entities in disadvantaged and low tree canopy neighborhoods .
A. Build and strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations, businesses, non-profits, neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, and other entities within or that serve disadvantaged, low tree canopy, and high heat neighborhoods to promote and expand access to urban forest programs.
4 .2 .4 Support science-based urban forest decision making among partners .
A. Encourage other agencies and utilities that govern tree removal, maintenance, policies, and/or restrictions to ensure these decisions are based in ecological and science-based information and balance decisions for tree removal or restrictions with longer-term environmental consequences.
Strategy 4 .3 Y outh Engagement
Cultivate youth engagement in the urban forest to continue Sacramento’s legacy of tree stewardship.
Policies + Implementation Actions
4 .3 .1 Support opportunities for youth leadership in urban forest programs .
A. Sponsor and support youth leadership efforts and programs around tree planting and care.
B. Partner with the Youth Commission and YPCE Youth Division to take a leadership role in promoting planting programs, developing efforts to increase access to trees in disadvantaged communities, and training youth “tree stewards” within the community.
C. Provide seed funding as needed to support urban forest youth leadership programs. 4 .3 .2 Increase youth tree literacy and access to trees .
A. Partner with schools to increase trees, tree maintenance, and irrigation on school grounds.
B. Partner with schools to offer tree care curriculum and programs.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
91 Strategy 4 .4 Workforce Development
Advance career pathways in urban forestry.
Policies + Implementation Actions
4 .4 .1 Promote workforce development programs for tree care professions as a critical component of green industry .
A. Explore developing and facilitating tree care apprenticeship programs in the city with local tree care companies, certified arborists, workforce development organizations, and educational institutions.
B. Coordinate with the Landscape and Learning program86, local high schools, and community colleges to promote careers in tree care.
C. Identify opportunities to utilize workforce development programs, such as the regional and state conservation corps, in City urban forest efforts. 4 .4 .2 Build workforce pipelines from Sacramento’s historically under-employed and low- income neighborhoods into the City’s urban forest workforce .
A. Strengthen partnerships and training opportunities to offer pre-employment training, job placement support, and advertisement to increase awareness about career pathways into urban forestry.
B. Prioritize outreach for workforce development programs to Sacramento’s historically under-employed and low-income neighborhoods to facilitate entry into well-paying urban forestry careers.
86 https://www.cityofsacramento.org/ParksandRec/Youth-Division/Youth-Employment/LandscapeAndLearning SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
92 Strategy 5 .1 Program Funding
Pursue sustainable funding to support the ambitious canopy and program goals within this Plan.
Policies + Implementation Actions
5 .1 .1 Perform a cost analysis to determine the projected cost to meet the tree planting and maintenance targets identified in the Urban Forest Plan to reach 35 percent canopy cover by 2045 .
5 .1 .2 Pursue an increase in dedicated long-term funding to provide an increased level of tree canopy, perform associated care and maintenance, and expand core urban forestry services and programs .
A. Provide information on the level of funding and staff needed to ensure adequate maintenance of City-managed trees to meet professional standards, including five-year maintenance cycle for all City trees and regular maintenance of the City inventory and to address additional trees and canopy levels.
B. Develop a cohesive funding program for tree planting and irrigation within City parks. 5 .1 .3 Pursue grant funding to promote tree planting and partner engagement .
A. Whenever feasible, seek grant funding for programs to promote tree planting efforts, public-private partnerships, workforce development, community education, street tree expansion, and parking lot greening.
5 .1 .4 Optimize existing funding sources to meet canopy and management goals .
A. Assess current processes and fees to identify improvements to better achieve objectives. 5 .1 .5 Explore new funding sources .
A. Explore opportunities to utilize taxes, special assessments, and special tax districts to receive dedicated program funding.
B. Explore non-traditional and technology-driven funding techniques, such as donation and gifting programs.
Sustain
Goal 5: Sustain the growth, development, and continuity of City urban forest programs through dedicated funding and innovation .
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
93 Strategy 5 .2 Incentive Programs
Explore incentive programs to reduce barriers to tree planting and care on private property.
Policies + Implementation Actions
5 .2 .1 Explore providing financial support to residents in disadvantaged communities for tree planting and care .
A. Identify funding options or incentives to support mature tree care, including water use and maintenance costs related to trees.
B. Identify funding options or incentives to reduce barriers to tree planting, including education, support for irrigation installation, and support for maintenance costs. 5 .2 .2 Explore financial incentives to support residents with mature trees .
A. Investigate potential tax break for properties with City-protected and registered trees.
Strategy 5 .3 Innovation
Advance innovative technologies and approaches to support the urban forest.
Policies + Implementation Actions
5 .3 .1 Support new technologies for tree canopy assessment and planning .
A. Utilize technology that allows for public access to urban forest data and can be easily used by residents and other organizations.
B. Identify innovative tools that allow for improved assessment of urban forest resources and utilize that data to improve program and project planning.
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
94 North Sacramento
Implementation
Strategy
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
95 Implementation of the Sacramento Urban Forest Plan will require participation from multiple departments across the City, other agencies, and key partners. The following section assigns responsibility and a suggested timeframe for implementing the SUFP’s strategies, policies, and implementation actions.
Department Key
PW Department of Public Works
YPCE Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment CDD Community Development Department
DOU Department of Utilities
OIED Office of Innovation and Economic Development
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
96 GROW
Grow the urban forest through new plantings to support livable neighborhoods, protect residents and visitors from the impact of climate change, and reinforce the City’s legacy as the “City of Trees. ” Strategies Policies + Implementation Actions Lead Support Timeframe 1 .1 Expand Canopy:
Increase the current
levels of canopy
to maximize the
benefits of the urban
forest .
1 .1 .1 The City shall strive to achieve
a minimum average City-wide tree
canopy of 35 percent by 2045.
PW CDD,
YPCE
15–20 years
1 .1 .2 Establish a parks tree planting
program.
YPCE PW 0–5 years
1 .1 .3 Continue to operate a street tree
planting program.
PW Ongoing
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97 1 .2 Plan for Trees:
Incorporate trees into
all levels of planning
and development to
ensure existing trees
are preserved, an
adequate number of
new trees are planted
to reach canopy
goals, and that trees
can grow to maturity
without interfering
with adjacent
infrastructure .
1 .2 .1 Amend Sacramento City Code
as necessary to improve tree canopy
inclusion and require minimum levels
of tree planting in development
projects.
PW,
CDD
0–5 years
1 .2 .2 Review and update design
guidelines and development
standards to support achievement of
minimum canopy goals and maximize
benefits.
CDD PW 0–5 years
1 .2 .3 Encourage development plans
to meet minimum canopy goals
within 15 years.
CDD PW 0–5 years
1 .2 .4 Develop mechanisms that
require or incentivize preservation of
existing trees during site development
when feasible.
CDD PW 0–5 years
1 .2 .5 Identify strategies to strengthen
implementation of the Parking Lot
Shading Ordinance and Parking Lot
Shading Design and Maintenance
Guidelines to support achievement of
a minimum of 50 percent tree shading
within 15 years.
PW CDD 0–5 years
1 .2 .6 Support the achievement of 50
percent tree shading over streets and
sidewalks.
PW CDD 0–5 years
1 .2 .7 Ensure the establishment of
trees incorporated into development.
PW CDD,
DOU
0–5 years
1 .3 Canopy Equity:
Seek to address
historic inequities,
remove barriers to
tree adoption, and
ensure the urban
forest is shared
equitably across all
communities .
1 .3 .1 Prioritize City planting efforts
and implementation of urban forest
programs in priority communities.
PW YPCE 0–5 years
1 .3 .2 Support and facilitate canopy
expansion efforts on private property
across the City with focus in priority
communities.
PW CDD 15–20 years
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98 STEWARD
Steward the City’s existing trees to preserve canopy and protect the urban forest from biological and cultural threats and loss.
Strategies Policies + Implementation Actions Lead Support Timeframe 2 .1 Canopy
Resilience: Ensure
Sacramento’s urban
forest is resilient
and prepared for the
biotic and abiotic
impacts of climate
change necessary
for the longevity and
success of the city’s
trees .
2 .1 .1 Promote biological diversity
in tree species and age for the city’s
urban forest to maintain resilience.
PW YPCE,
CDD
0–5 years
2 .1 .2 Create a master recommended
tree list to ensure all trees planted by
the City or associated with approved
development projects are suitable
for changing climate conditions in
Sacramento.
PW CDD,
YPCE
0–5 years
2 .1 .3 Continue to monitor and
identify pest threats and take
preventative actions to anticipate
threats and minimize potential
impacts.
PW Ongoing
2 .2 Native Forest
Resilience: Conserve
native oaks and
woodlands as a
valuable tool for
climate adaptation
that can address
the twin crises of
climate change and
biodiversity loss .
2 .2 .1 Preserve native trees,
woodlands, native species, and
riparian areas to the extent feasible
in recognition of their ties to the
area’s natural history, ability to sustain
ecosystems, and natural climate
adaptation.
PW YPCE,
CDD
Ongoing
2 .2 .2 Incorporate native plantings
into the urban forest and parks when
appropriate and to the extent feasible.
YPCE Ongoing
2 .2 .3 Advocate for regional forested
corridors to facilitate adaptation and
migration of native tree species and
wildlife.
PW,
YPCE
CDD 5–10 years
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
99 2 .3 Tree Protection:
Preserve existing tree
canopy and healthy
mature trees as vital
for maintaining
current canopy
levels, meeting
canopy goals, and
adapting to climate
change . Enforce tree
protection standards
to better protect the
urban forest from
loss of existing trees .
2 .3 .1 Preserve mature trees in
development to the extent feasible.
CDD PW Ongoing
2 .3 .2 Protect existing trees during
construction.
PW CDD 0–5 years
2 .3 .3 Require mitigation for tree
removal to include onsite or offsite
plantings and/or tree removal fees.
PW CDD Ongoing
2 .3 .4 Encourage appropriate water
and irrigation practices to minimize
needed water use and support
healthy tree growth.
PW YPCE,
DOU
Ongoing
2 .3 .5 Assess the success of objective
and enforcement of the City’s
Tree Ordinance to encourage the
preservation and care of private
protected trees.
PW CDD 0–5 years
2 .3 .6 Support the use of proper
pruning techniques on privately
maintained trees.
PW 0–5 years
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100
MANAGE
Manage the urban forest through coordinated planning, design, and maintenance to ensure its long-term health and sustainability.
Strategies Policies + Implementation Actions Lead Support Timeframe 3 .1 Organizational
Best Practices: Seek
to include necessary
resources to manage
City trees at a
sustainable level .
3 .1 .1 Employ professional urban
forest staff and rely on urban forestry
best management practices.
PW CC Ongoing
3 .1 .3 Strengthen collaboration and
support between all City departments
that manage trees.
PW CDD,
DOU,
YPCE
Ongoing
3 .1 .4 Conduct annual reporting
on the urban forest plan to ensure
progress towards goals and
appropriate resource allocation.
PW YPCE,
CDD,
DOU
Annually
3 .1 .5 Strive to perform regular 5-year
updates to the Urban Forest Plan and
canopy cover assessment and analysis
reports.
PW CDD,
YPCE
Every 5
years,
aligned
with CAAP
3 .2 Manage Risk:
Utilize tree risk
management
policies, procedures,
and practices to
minimize risk of
injury and property
damage .
3 .2 .1 Rely on industry best
management practices for pest
control, disease prevention, and
hazard mitigation measures in urban
environments in treatment of City-
managed trees.
PW Ongoing
3 .2 .2 Maintain and implement
emergency response plans for storm
events that result in tree loss and
damage.
PW Ongoing
3 .2 .3 Minimize future damage or
conflict by planning for trees as a part
of infrastructure.
PW,
CDD,
YPCE
0–5 years
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101
3 .3 Regular
Maintenance:
Perform regular
maintenance on City
trees to improve the
health, longevity,
safety, and functional
capacity of the urban
forest .
3 .3 .1 Continue to operate a proactive
tree maintenance program to
preserve and protect City-managed
trees.
PW Ongoing
3 .3 .2 Update and regularly maintain a
comprehensive inventory of all City-
managed trees.
PW YPCE,
DOU
0–5 years,
Ongoing
once
updated
3 .4 Manage for
Co-benefits: Plan to
maximize the co-
benefits of the urban
forest throughout
trees’ life cycle .
3 .4 .1 Support tree reuse efforts within
the City to extend the life cycle of
trees.
PW YPCE 5–10 years
3 .4 .2 Explore opportunities to
leverage the benefits of trees to retain
stormwater runoff.
DOU PW 0–5 years
3 .4 .3 When designing transportation
improvements, support inclusion
of adequate tree canopy to provide
substantial shade for active
transportation infrastructure and
support achievement of 50 percent
shading on street and sidewalks.
PW 0–5 years
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
102
ENGAGE
Engage, educate, and coordinate with community members, public agencies, partners, and private businesses to care for and grow the urban forest.
Strategies Policies + Implementation Actions Lead Support Timeframe 4 .1 Community
Engagement:
Support community
advocacy for and
involvement in the
urban forest .
4 .1 .1 Recognize and promote the
city’s urban forest.
PW Annually
4 .1 .2 Conduct a City-wide urban
forest public outreach and education.
PW 0–5 years
4 .1 .3 Encourage active participation
by residents in the development and
promotion of a sustainable urban
forest.
PW YPCE,
DOU
Ongoing
4 .2 Partner
Coordination:
Facilitate
coordination,
involvement, and
commitment from
all entities that own,
control, regulate,
or affect the urban
forest .
4 .2 .1 Continue existing partnerships
and establish new partnerships.
PW Ongoing
4 .2 .2 Support and encourage
businesses to increase tree canopy.
PW 0–5 years
4 .2 .3 Strengthen partnerships with
entities in disadvantaged and low tree
canopy neighborhoods.
PW 0–5 years
4 .2 .4 Support science-based urban
forest decision making among
partners.
PW Ongoing
4 .3 Y outh
Engagement:
Cultivate youth
engagement in
the urban forest
to continue
Sacramento’s legacy
of tree stewardship .
4 .3 .1 Support opportunities for youth
leadership in urban forest programs.
PW 0–5 years
4 .3 .2 Increase youth tree literacy and
access to trees.
PW 5–10 years
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103
4 .4 Workforce
Development:
Advance career
pathways in urban
forestry .
4 .4 .1 Promote workforce
development programs for tree care
professions as a critical component of
green industry.
PW YPCE 0–5 years
4 .4 .2 Build workforce pipelines
from Sacramento’s historically
under-employed and low-income
neighborhoods into the City’s urban
forest work force.
PW OIED,
YPCE
5 years
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104
SUSTAIN
Sustain the growth, development, and continuity of City urban forest programs through dedicated funding and innovation.
Strategies Policies + Implementation Actions Lead Support Timeframe 5 .1 Program Funding:
Pursue sustainable
funding to support
the ambitious canopy
and program goals
within this Plan .
5 .1 .1 Perform a cost analysis to
determine the projected cost to meet
the tree planting and maintenance
targets identified in the Urban Forest
Plan to reach 35 percent canopy cover
by 2045.
PW CDD,
DOU,
YPCE
0–5 years
5 .1 .2 Pursue an increase in dedicated
long-term funding to provide an
increased level of tree canopy,
perform associated care and
maintenance, and expand core urban
forestry services and programs.
PW YPCE 0–5 years
5 .1 .3 Pursue grant funding to
promote tree planting and partner
engagement.
PW Ongoing
5 .1 .4 Optimize existing funding
sources to meet canopy and
management goals.
PW YPCE,
DOU
0–5 years
5 .1 .5 Explore new funding sources. PW 0–5 years
5 .2 Incentive
Programs: Identify
incentive programs
to reduce barriers
to tree planting
and care on private
property .
5 .2 .1 Explore providing financial
support to residents in disadvantaged
communities for tree planting and
care.
PW PW 5–10 years
5 .2 .2 Explore financial incentives to
support residents with mature trees.
PW 5–10 years
SACRAMENTO URBAN FOREST PLAN – PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
105
5 .3 Innovation:
Advance innovative
technologies and
approaches to
support the urban
forest .
5 .3 .1 Support new technologies for
tree canopy assessment and planning.
PW 5–10 years