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Forestry division reports hires, nursery shipment and spring planting plans
Summary
City forestry staff reported 38 service requests closed since January, removal of 23 poor/dead trees this quarter, delivery of 45 large nursery trees to Finson Nursery, and that the division is finalizing interviews for a new Arborist II lead position.
At the meeting, forestry division staff (Benjamin Rudolf) reported operational activity and near‑term planting logistics.
Staff said the division completed 38 service/repair requests since January, focused this quarter on preventive pruning with a small crew, and removed 23 trees classified as poor since January. They described nursery progress: gravel beds built at Finson Nursery and a recent shipment of 45 large trees that will be staged in nursery beds for future planting.
On staffing, the division said it is in final interviews for an Arborist II position, a crew‑lead role approved by union processes that will reduce the need for the division head to handle field supervisory duties. Staff also noted ongoing coordination with the downtown landscaper for post‑planting watering and maintenance, and a plan to bring water and electricity to the community nursery shed (new well pump and electrical work) to support planting operations.
Fundraising and donations: Board members said a recent tree order totals $4,400 and the group will seek adoptions to offset purchase costs; smaller donations or sourcing through partner nurseries were discussed as ways to reduce per‑tree costs.
Next steps: Staff will finalize interviews for the Arborist II hire, stage the new nursery stock, and coordinate watering logistics and volunteer adoption efforts.
