The Talent City Council meeting on December 6, 2024, spotlighted significant urban forestry initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s green spaces. The council discussed recommendations from the Urban Forestry Committee regarding the relocation of trees and amendments to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) upland canopy grant.

Committee member Clark joined the dais to provide insights on the committee's proposals, which were first introduced at the previous meeting. The recommendations include relocating trees from the gateway site to other city properties and expanding the OWEB planting program along Highway 99, particularly in the center median.

City staff presented a report outlining three key motions for council consideration. The first motion calls for obtaining cost estimates for engineering and traffic safety studies to modify the center medians on Highway 99, aligning with the Urban Forestry Committee's plans. The second motion seeks to establish agreements with Jackson County and ODOT to plant additional OWEB-funded trees along a 1,350-foot stretch south of Newbury Park, coordinating with ongoing FEMA hazard mitigation projects in the area.

The final motion involves pursuing necessary amendments to the OWEB agreement to broaden the project scope, which may require discussions with the Medford Water Commission due to existing service limitations outside city boundaries.

The council expressed a commitment to advancing these urban forestry efforts, with implementation already underway for many recommendations. The discussions reflect a collaborative approach between city management and the Urban Forestry Committee, aiming to enhance the community's environmental landscape.