Draper Tree Committee approves 2026 meeting schedule, outlines arborist role and $10,000 planting funds

The Draper City Tree Committee voted unanimously to adopt its 2026 meeting calendar and spent much of the meeting mapping how a newly hired arborist and a private $10,000 donation could be used to accelerate local planting projects.

Chair David Cloud opened the meeting and led the unanimous approval of the schedule, which lists meetings in February, March, April, May, September, October and November and leaves January, June–August and December off the calendar. “That’s the schedule for next year,” Cloud said after members voiced no opposition.

Parks staff member Dylan said the arborist will act as the committee’s on-the-ground “eyes,” making field notes about hazard trees, removals and where replanting is needed. Dylan told the committee he expects the arborist to identify hazard trees and recommend replacements and locations, while final execution will follow public-works and parks priorities.

The committee discussed budgeting for both small, targeted plantings and larger projects. Members reported a $10,000 private donation held in reserve for tree purchases or match opportunities and said the committee could deploy some funds for visible neighborhood replacements this spring. Cloud said he had already committed to a donor and that staff would ensure funds are available; staff noted some funds carry program deadlines (a June 13 deadline was mentioned for a specific commitment).

Members also discussed partnering with other agencies and programs to leverage city funds for larger stretches of planting. The group mentioned that irrigation capacity and mainline limits can constrain how many trees can be sustained in a given park or corridor.

The meeting closed after members agreed to continue planning spring plantings, pursue opportunities to partner on larger projects and keep the committee informed of the arborist’s field findings.