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1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 8A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson MEETING DATE: February 23, 2022 REQUEST: Update only TOPIC: Tree City and Growth Award for 2021 BACKGROUND: The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes cities that show their commitment to the environment through active management of their urban forests. Cities become a Tree City USA by meeting four standards: 1. Maintaining a tree board or department (Environmental Board) 2. Having a community tree ordinance 3. Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry 4. Celebrating Arbor Day (waived for the past 2 years due to COVID) Highlights of 2021 forestry activities: • Removed 88 ash trees • Removed 20 boulevard trees with major defects • 6 contracted removals • Pruned over 70 boulevard trees • 102 ash injections (performed by Rainbow Tree Care) • Planted 106 trees in boulevards and parks Lino Lakes has received Tree City USA recognition for 2021, marking the City’s 31st year of recognition in the program. The majority of the tree removals mentioned were completed by Parks staff, with the Streets Department contributing many hours of boulevard pruning. The City would not receive this important recognition without the continued efforts of these crews. The Tree City USA Growth Award is presented to participating Tree City USA communities that demonstrate increased levels of tree care and community engagement. Highlights of our forestry program that contributed to Growth Award recognition include: • Applying for 2 or more grants for specific community forestry projects or programs • City-supported staff training opportunities including the Shade Tree Short Course