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Council debate over using Adopt-a-Tree fund for golf-course plantings stalls after water and cost questions
Summary
Council members discussed using the city's Adopt-a-Tree fund (approximately $1.2 million) to plant mature trees on Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club property. Concerns about irrigation, SWFWMD water-use permits, and who would water new plantings led to a motion to explore the idea that failed for lack of a second.
Council members discussed a proposal to use the city’s Adopt-a-Tree fund — which councilmembers said holds roughly $1.2 million — to purchase and plant mature trees on the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club fairway-roughs and other public spaces.
Council Member Kravitz described community interest in replacing hurricane losses and noted the golf course has areas in the rough that could accept trees and might be served by existing irrigation. He said a 15–20 foot (mature) specimen could cost roughly $1,000 based on a local vendor price check, and urged staff to explore cooperative planting.
Mayor and staff cautioned that the golf course’s irrigation is governed by a prior multi-party arrangement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD): the club operates permitted wells and had previously received cost‑share funding to modernize irrigation, but the permit limits groundwater withdrawals. City staff relayed that if the course exceeds its permitted water quota, the club could be required to repay funds to SWFWMD. The golf course representatives who attended previous meetings told staff they would consider planting but warned the course cannot increase its water consumption beyond permit limits; that creates a barrier for planting and watering new mature trees unless an agreed watering plan is found.
Council Member Kravitz moved to instruct the city manager to explore a plan to plant 10–20 mature trees paid for from the Adopt-a-Tree Fund in coordination with the golf course. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Staff also reported that a citywide tree study procurement is underway: an evaluation committee shortlisted two finalists and interviews were scheduled the next day, with the aim of returning a contract recommendation to council in the coming weeks. Council members emphasized they want the study’s findings before finalizing large, expensive replanting projects in public spaces.
