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Environmental Stewardship Committee backs $12,000 pilot for free arborist days
Summary
Atlantic Beach’s Environmental Stewardship Committee unanimously recommended that the City Commission approve up to $12,000 to fund free arborist days, a pilot program to provide risk assessments and care plans for mature or heritage trees; committee members said the program complements the city arborist’s work.
The Environmental Stewardship Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the City Commission approve up to $12,000 to schedule free arborist days for Atlantic Beach residents.
The committee approved the motion during its regular meeting after debating whether additional outside arborist capacity is needed to provide risk assessments and individualized care plans for mature or heritage trees. The recommendation calls for 2–4 arborist days per year, prioritizing trees 20 inches DBH or larger and offering care and maintenance plans to help trees thrive.
Why it matters: Members said the pilot would provide an equity and conservation boost by giving homeowners professional guidance and by generating documented care plans that could extend tree lifespans. The committee described the program as complementary to services offered by the city arborist rather than a replacement.
“As part of an incentive package the commission asked for, this helps provide care plans and expertise that staff alone cannot always deliver,” said Amy Franke, who moved the motion.
Committee members emphasized the pilot is a recommendation to the commission and not a binding city expenditure until commissioners approve the funding. Several members asked staff to clarify whether the $12,000 is for supplemental arborist services under city supervision or for an independent contractor selected by the city.
The committee also discussed related proposals—the heritage-tree pilot grant and expanded outreach for front-yard plantings—but moved the arborist-days pilot forward because members regarded it as an immediately actionable, measurable step. The recommendation will be included in the package the committee plans to send to Amanda and to present at the July 13 commission meeting.
Next steps: The committee will forward the recommendation and slide graphics to staff for inclusion in the July 13 presentation. The City Commission must still approve the funding and scope before any payments are made.
