Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan

Praised the biodiversity plan and supported removing near-native definitions in favor of true local natives.

Expressed support for expanding urban forest protections to private lands and developments.

Thanked staff and council for revisions clarifying native versus non-native plants.

Thanked staff and council for modifications and urged prioritizing local native plants.

Praised the plan and emphasized that biodiversity anchors must rely on native plants.

Supported definition changes ensuring focus on native plants for ecosystem diversity.

Praised staff for integrating community feedback into the final biodiversity plan.

Asked the council to adopt recommendations from the Bird Alliance and Green Spaces for robust implementation and habitat restoration.

Proposed designating Cuesta Annex as an urban forest and increasing tree planting goals to 30% by 2030.

Advocated for native tree planting and mandated shade for pedestrians and cyclists.

Stressed the importance of protecting large, old native trees against development and utility pressures.

Suggested increasing tree canopy targets more rapidly and exploring special zoning or state law advocacy to protect creek beds from development impacts.

Praised the plan on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance, emphasizing native species, adaptive management, and accountability.

A biologist who urged prioritizing native plants and clear metrics, noting that non-native trees support far fewer caterpillars needed by local birds.

Spoke on behalf of local planning coalitions about closing the gap between policy and implementation through operational language and green infrastructure standards.

Thanked staff and expressed support for native plants and wildlife preservation.

Suggested designating Cuesta Annex as an urban forest and increasing protections for heritage trees.

Stressed the need to protect heritage trees and establish stronger accountability measures in the plan.

Expressed views on the draft biodiversity and urban forest plan during public testimony.

Provided public input on the updated draft plan.