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Rules Committee recommends Michael Sullivan for Urban Forestry Council seat
Summary
The Rules Committee voted Sept. 18 to forward Michael Sullivan to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation for one Urban Forestry Council seat after competing testimony from two candidates and extensive public comment over tree removals and maintenance.
The San Francisco Rules Committee on Sept. 18 recommended Michael Sullivan for appointment to the Urban Forestry Council, forwarding his nomination to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.
Sullivan, a longtime urban-forest volunteer and author of The Trees of San Francisco, described more than two decades of work with Friends of the Urban Forest and the Mount Sutro Stewards. "For 25 years, trees — and especially San Francisco's trees — have been a passion of mine," Sullivan said in presenting his candidacy, citing prior service on the council and involvement in the city's first urban forestry plan.
Carolyn Johnston, the competing candidate, urged the committee to represent neighborhood residents who she said oppose city and institutional plans to remove large numbers of otherwise healthy trees. "Many residents want the trees protected and preserved," Johnston said, arguing that the Urban Forestry Council should better reflect neighborhood concerns about removals and herbicide use.
Public comment was sharply divided. Supporters of Johnston warned against mass removals and said herbicide use in natural-areas projects is insufficiently addressed. Supporters of Sullivan — including volunteer leaders and certified arborists — emphasized his technical knowledge, hands-on management experience and familiarity with urban-forest planning and landmark-tree protections. Colleen Ravton, who served on the council and urged Sullivan's candidacy, said Sullivan offers "knowledge, passion and a temperament prepared to hear both sides of a lot of contentious issues."
Supervisors acknowledged both candidates' qualifications. Chair Supervisor Norman Yee and Supervisor Katie Tang praised Johnston's neighborhood perspective; other supervisors highlighted Sullivan's prior council service and technical expertise. Supervisor Tang moved to forward Sullivan to the full board with a positive recommendation; the committee approved the motion without objection.
The committee's action is a committee recommendation; the full Board of Supervisors will consider the appointment at a later meeting.
