City of Camas - File #: REP 17-395

• File #: REP 17-395
• Version: 1
• Name: Status of Urban Tree Program
• Type: Informational Report
• Status: Meeting Item
• File created: 10/10/2017
• In control: PLANNING COMMISSION
• On agenda: 10/17/2017
• Title: Status of the Urban Tree Program Details: The City was awarded a grant from the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources to develop an Urban Tree Program (Agreement No. IAA 16-338). The grant period runs until May 31, 2018, and is a 50 percent cost share with the City. An initial work plan to develop the Urban Tree Program included: current zoning diagnosis; review of comprehensive plan to ensure the new codes will be consistent; drafting a tree ordinance, including graphics; updating the Design Standards Manual (street tree species); and creating outreach materials that will increase the public’s knowledge of tree care and the new ordinance. In support of this project, the City recruited a diverse group of citizens to participate on an ad hoc committee and contracted with Davey Resource Group. Along with reviewing current codes and the vision within Camas 2035, Davey Resource Group and Staff interviewed key urban forest stakeholders. The feedback from these interviews was...
• Sponsors: Sarah Fox
• Related files: REP 16-371, REP 16-442, AI 16-312, AI 16-311, REP 18-143, ORD 18-014, REP 18-306, AI 18-132

Title

Status of the Urban Tree Program 

Details: The City was awarded a grant from the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources to develop an Urban Tree Program (Agreement No. IAA 16-338). The grant period runs until May 31, 2018, and is a 50 percent cost share with the City. An initial work plan to develop the Urban Tree Program included: current zoning diagnosis; review of comprehensive plan to ensure the new codes will be consistent; drafting a tree ordinance, including graphics; updating the Design Standards Manual (street tree species); and creating outreach materials that will increase the public’s knowledge of tree care and the new ordinance. In support of this project, the City recruited a diverse group of citizens to participate on an ad hoc committee and contracted with Davey Resource Group. Along with reviewing current codes and the vision within Camas 2035, Davey Resource Group and Staff interviewed key urban forest stakeholders. The feedback from these interviews was used to develop a community survey to better understand public awareness and opinions about trees in Camas. Over 250 community members provided feedback through an online survey that was available March 30 through May 12, 2017. The online survey collected qualitative information about public perception of tree protection, tree species preferences, and about the concept of street tree removal permitting. The ad hoc committee and staff committees have met several times over the past year to review draft code amendments as initially presented by Davey Resource Group. Staff will provide an overview of the status of the project, and then will moderate a discussion between the Commission and members of the Urban Tree Program Ad Hoc Committee.

Presenters:  Sarah Fox, Senior Planner and Ian Scott, Davey Resource Group

Recommended Action

Recommended Action: Staff requests direction from the Commission on the proposed amendments.