The City Commission meeting on December 19, 2023, focused on the presentation of the Urban Forestry Master Plan, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the management and sustainability of North Miami Beach's urban trees. The plan, developed with the assistance of consultant Calvin Giordano and Associates, is funded by a grant and has been in progress for approximately 12 months.

During the meeting, Mike Connor, a senior landscape architect and certified arborist, outlined the importance of the urban forest, which includes all publicly owned trees within the city. He emphasized the economic, social, and environmental benefits that trees provide to residents. The plan aims to create a strategic framework for managing, maintaining, and protecting these vital resources.

Key findings from the assessment of the city's existing tree inventory revealed that the majority of trees are in good or fair condition, although there is a pressing need for priority removals and pruning. The analysis also highlighted a predominance of palm trees, which do not offer the same environmental benefits as traditional trees. This indicates a need for diversifying the species planted in the city.

The plan proposes several goals, including increasing the tree canopy by planting more diverse and native species that can withstand local environmental challenges. It also calls for enhanced public engagement to raise awareness about the importance of urban trees.

To implement the plan, the consultant recommended an initial funding increase of $125,000 for the first year to plant 200 to 250 trees, along with an additional $30,000 to $40,000 for their maintenance. A routine pruning cycle is also suggested to ensure the health of the trees, with a target of completing this cycle every four years.

The Urban Forestry Master Plan represents a proactive step towards improving the city's green infrastructure, ensuring that North Miami Beach can better manage its urban forest for the benefit of its residents and the environment. The commission is expected to discuss the plan further and consider the proposed funding in upcoming meetings.