20240131 Environmental Board Packet Combined

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Environmental Board Annual Work Plan 2024 General 1. Continue to review proposed development projects and provide recommendations to the City Council. The recommendations are based upon compliance with the landscaping section of the Zoning Ordinance, and current accepted practices on topics including urban forestry,natural resource conservation,water quality,utilizing native plants where feasible, and protecting wildlife. 2. Improve and enhance environmental content on the City website, social media, and the local newspaper. 3. Promote workshops on water conservation, alternative lawn cover types, and native plants on the city website and social media platforms. Forestry 1. Continue implementation of the City's Emerald Ash Borer response. This includes removal of boulevard trees and replacement with a diverse mix of species,a partnership with Rainbow Tree Care to offer a discount rate on private tree injections, and continued removals of ash trees in natural areas and parks. 2. Promote tree planting through the City tree sale and Anoka Conservation District seedling sale. Natural Resources 1. Review proposed changes to Landscaping Ordinance as part of the zoning ordinance update. 2. Support the pursuit of additional wetland bank establishment opportunities. 3. Continue to recommend implementation of Greenway System improvements where applicable in development projects. Water 1. Continue to improve educational outreach materials on water conservation,both on the city website and in newsletters. Continue the smart irrigation controller program. 2. Increase outreach on smart chloride use(deicing salt)use for both residents and commercial properties. Recycling/Solid Waste 1. Identify ways to increase recycling tonnage. This may include expansion of the organics program, addition of programs to accept materials not currently included in city programs, and coupons for items dropped at Recycling Saturdays.