Archived News Release from 2007

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Community Members Invited to Apply for Community Tree Board

Redwood City, CA -  June 11, 2007 - Redwood City is forming a pilot Community Tree Board, and interested members of the community are encouraged to apply to serve on this important citizen committee. The Community Tree Board application and more information are available online or by calling 780-7493. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 29th, 2007.

The urban forest we all enjoy is an integral part of our quality of life in Redwood City. Street trees and privately owned trees provide shade and a beautiful streetscape, and complement our homes and property values. They’re part of what makes Redwood City neighborhoods so special! The Community Tree Board will support City staff to review and make recommendations to the City Council on the recommendations that were made earlier by the Community Task Force on Tree Policies.

The role of the Community Tree Board will be to create (or update/enhance if existing):

• the urban forestry program policies and goals/management plan
• the urban forest master plan
• requirements and standards for urban forest elements of new developments
• revisions to the street tree and tree preservation ordinances
• practices such as code enforcement related to the urban forest
• urban forest partnerships and public education programs

Additionally the committee will serve as an appeals body for tree preservation and street tree permit process appeals, and appeals from tree ordinance violations and administration citations.

The Community Tree Board will help to ensure that Redwood City sustains the urban forest, balanced with an understanding that preservation of street trees can sometimes be at odds with sidewalk maintenance and repair, and the perspectives of some residents. It’s anticipated that the pilot Community Tree Board will meet one evening a month, starting in July and continue for eighteen months. The Community Tree Board may decide to establish subcommittees, which could meet in addition to the regular meetings. The group will be supported by staff and necessary resources so that its members can make the best use of their time and thereby provide for the highest-quality outcome.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Take a look at the variety of City webcams at www.redwoodcity.org/webcam, and subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

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Contact:
Gordon Mann
Public Works Superintendent
(650) 780-7493