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Board approves first reading of urban forest plan amendment to general plan
Summary
Supervisors approved on first reading a general-plan amendment adopting the Urban Forest Plan Phase 1 for street trees; sponsors emphasized maintenance shortfalls and a long-term funding strategy.
On Feb. 3 the board passed on first reading an amendment to the general plan to incorporate the Urban Forest Plan Phase 1 covering city street trees and long-term strategy for their health and maintenance.
"This plan has been a long time in the making," Supervisor Scott Wiener said, thanking the planning and public-works staff and noting the plan was supported unanimously by the Planning Commission and the Urban Forestry Council. Wiener said healthy tree-lined streets improve walkability, remove pollutants and enhance neighborhoods.
Wiener criticized the city's practice of requiring adjacent property owners to maintain street trees and said that approach has led to inadequate and inconsistent care and a shrinking street-tree population. He said the plan sets broad strategies for care, expansion and "a long-term sustainable funding strategy." The board took the ordinance on first reading without objection.
Sponsors and staff said the plan covers street-tree health and management while the city continues work on long-term funding measures.
