Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

To:	Dave Corliss City Manager
From:	Debbie Van Saun, Asst. City Manager Fred DeVictor, Parks & Recreation Director
cc:	Mark Hecker, Parks & Maintenance Supt.
Date:	December 19, 2006
Re:	Update on development of Tree Management Program

Staff is developing the specific components of an effective Tree Management Program for the City Commission to review and adopt, as appropriate, for the community.  Utilizing guidelines provided by the Kansas Forest Service, we anticipate the major components of the Program to include the following:

· Policies which protect and maintain existing trees; provide guidelines for inspection and analysis of defective trees; utilize industry standards and practices for pruning.

· Provide for new trees with greater species diversity.

· Establish emergency response protocol for major storms that affect the mature tree population.

· Conduct evaluation of hazardous trees using best management practices and training, including minimum trimming cycle for ROW trees; development of a tree risk management strategy; use of professional standards that promote tree health and sustainability.

· Use USDA Forest Service Community Risk Assessment Guidelines for a systematic approach to detect, assess, and correct defective trees.

· Develop best management practices with utility companies that affect tree planting, pruning, protection, etc.

Prior to bringing a draft program to the City Commission, we would anticipate meeting with various stakeholders to gather input and feedback in addition to presenting our findings to the Parks & Recreation Board for their review.  Additional staff research is being conducted on the development of community forestry long-range plans and other programs, once our work is completed in adopting a Tree Management Program for Lawrence.

Our timetable for bringing this matter to the City Commission, after stakeholder input and Advisory Board review, is spring, 2007.  Please let us know if you have any questions.