Urban Forest Management Plan Goals and Implementation

Urged the city to establish a moratorium on poor street tree pruning by independent contractors and the city, pointing to over-pruned downtown trees as a cautionary tale.

Expressed support for the committee's aspirational goals and urged members to push for dedicated funding and staffing during upcoming city budget priorities.

Shared good news that the USDA Petaluma Canopy grant includes funding for a contract urban forester position, and invited participation in existing climate working groups.

Emphasized that achieving the plan's goals will require direct advocacy and lobbying by community members with city decision-makers.

Shared that Relief Petaluma has successfully planted 1,000 trees a year in past years, is focusing efforts on difficult hot spots in Midtown, and received a Healthy Petaluma grant for a commercial fringe area roadmap.