a little note from our inbox...
Tonight, the first of three City budget forums will offer you an opportunity to express support for the Tree Project generally but most importantly for the development of a Tree Manual.
The Bureau of Planning & Sustainability budget has two "new" requests for money. The requests are new at a time when requesting new money is a really tough sell for any bureau. The Tree Manual is fully justifiable for funding next year.
I believe we need to make the budget decision-makers understand that the Tree Manual is not really new work but is instead an essential element that is needed to make the nearly completed Tree Project work functional.
The Tree Manual will act as a gathering place for currently hard to understand code connections; give guidance to builders and developers about how to avoid damaging trees during projects; indicate where information and advice about trees can be easily found; provide guidance on pruning and tree maintenance for home owners and builders; help provide a road map for bureau interactions around tree issues; and begin a public education process about the many values of trees and tree canopy.
Since we are asking for an investment of scarce general fund money, here are a few general public good issues that should make the Council aware of the value of finding an effective communication tool for the Tree Project.
- An acre of trees can absorb as much carbon per year as is produced by a car driven up to 8,700 miles
- Shade trees can make buildings up to 20 degrees cooler in the summer
- The amount of oxygen produced by an acre of trees equals the amount consumed by 18 people each year
- Trees increase the market value of properties 3% to 5%
There are lots more public values to be communicated. If public education works and trees are protected as a matter of choice, it can reduce our reliance on code requirements, penalties, mitigation expense, and enforcement. Funding the Tree Manual in this budget cycle is essential to begin that wise investment in public benefit for all city residents.
Budget Meetings:
Thursday, February 19, 2009; 6:30 to 8:30 pm; St. Johns; 8427 N Central St
Saturday, February 21, 2009; 10:00 to Noon; Floyd Light Middle Sch; 10800 SE Wash.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009; 6:30 to 8:30 pm; Multnomah Arts Center; 7688 SW Capitol Hwy.
Please attend and make your voice heard.
