Urban Forestry commission asks council for $3,000 to support Stearns Woods management plan

The Urban Forestry and Beautification Commission presented its annual report to the Wyoming City Council on May 20, outlining 2024 events and management priorities and asking council for $3,000 to support implementation of a newly developed Stearns Woods management plan.

Commission vice chair Clay Monahan summarized the commission’s recent work — including community wildflower walks, Arbor Day activities, ongoing invasive species removal at Stearns Woods and development of a public green areas management plan — and described volunteer engagement levels and labor invested in the preserve.

Monahan reported about 15 community volunteers and nine commissioners participated across nine work sessions, totaling about 300 man-hours dedicated to Stearns Woods work. He said the commission formed a subcommittee to produce a Stearns Woods nature preserve management plan that sets guidelines on invasive removal and path maintenance. The commission’s three primary funding requests for 2025 are $3,000 for tools, pesticides and debris pickup; modest support to restore the Green Area Foresters volunteer momentum; and funds for beautification award plaques.

Council members praised the commission’s forward-looking management approach and volunteer engagement. A councilmember noted the commission had been deliberate in planning how funds would be used and advocated for allocating the requested funding. Another councilmember reminded residents of the June 12 nomination deadline for beautification awards.

Council received the report; a motion to receive the report was moved and seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; the $3,000 request was presented for council consideration in the budget process or future action.