Committee discusses tree-canopy report, data sharing with Jacksonville and tree-fund budget timing

The committee discussed the timeline and data needs for a biennial State of the Canopy report and options to use existing canopy assessments prepared for Jacksonville.

Chair reported that Jacksonville has created a canopy assessment using USDA National Agriculture Imagery Program data and a staff GIS analysis; the citys canopy cover was cited at 44% versus a state average of 36% in the presentation the chair attended. Staff said Jacksonville is willing to share its data with Atlantic Beach and provide GIS support if the committee chooses to participate. Committee members discussed the merits of an interlocal agreement or shared license to avoid duplicative data purchases.

Members also reviewed the tree fund spending plan that staff circulated; staff said the proposed budget closely resembles the ESC-proposed budget and will be used for tree plantings and watering. Several members asked for visibility into when the budget will be presented to the commission and urged inclusion of inventory/metrics in the report. The committee asked the tree subcommittee to continue work through the end of the year to preserve knowledge before member turnover and to refine the canopy-report timeline.

No formal vote was recorded on data sharing; staff will follow up with Jacksonville and provide a proposed schedule and a recommendation for next steps in the subcommittee.