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Natural Resources reports Tree City USA recognition, 250-tree giveaway and new landscape compliance effort
Summary
City staff told the Environmental Advisory Board North Port earned Tree City USA status and the city will give away 250 trees on National Arbor Day. The Natural Resources Division also launched a landscape-compliance program for commercial and HOA properties and noted plans to explore a municipal nursery.
North Port's Natural Resources Division told the Environmental Advisory Board on April 6 that the city recently received Tree City USA recognition and a Tree City Growth Award, and that staff will distribute 250 trees to residents on National Arbor Day.
"We got we got just recently awarded," staff liaison Stefan Kalen said, describing the Tree City recognitions. Kalen said the city expanded its giveaway this year to 250 trees (up from 100 previously) and will hold the event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate working residents; residency will be required and distribution will be limited to one tree per household.
Staff also reported the launch of a landscape compliance program aimed at commercial properties and homeowners associations. Kalen said the program has already prompted some businesses to improve their landscaping and that expansion to single-family properties would depend on staff capacity. He said the city is exploring the long-term option of creating a municipal nursery to reduce procurement costs.
The board also discussed the Great American Cleanup scheduled for April 18 and member concerns about clogged sections of Warm Mineral Springs Creek; staff advised filing a report via the North Port Report app so Public Works or Parks & Recreation can investigate jurisdiction and cleanup responsibilities.
Board members suggested clearer communications around tree giveaway expectations and offered to help coordinate nonprofit support for monitoring landscape compliance across the city.
