Subject:
Title
Request approval of the Urban Tree Canopy Assessment funding agreement with the Virginia Department of Forestry
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
Vienna is undergoing a wave of new home construction with 100+ homes constructed each year. The construction has resulted in a significant loss of mature trees. Vienna is embarking on an initiative to become more proactive in managing its tree canopy. Vienna does not have accurate up-to-date tree canopy data nor a means to ascertain how the Town’s tree canopy has changed over time. Vienna proposes to hire an urban forestry consultant to conduct an urban tree canopy assessment and a tree canopy change analysis for the Town. This will help the Town prepare an urban forest management plan, set a tree canopy goal and measure progress toward mitigating and reversing tree loss in the Town.
In August 2021, Vienna applied for and has since been awarded a federal grant of $7,500 from the Virginia Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service to conduct and complete an urban tree canopy assessment. An agreement is attached for Council review and approval. The total project cost estimate is $15,000, which will be funded using $7,500 (50%) from the awarded Virginia Department of Forestry grant and $7,500 (50%) from the Town of Vienna as outlined in this agreement. Town Parks and Recreation staff will lead and manage the project.
Funding to come from Virginia Department of Forestry: $7,500; TOV: $7,500. Total $15,000
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna as an environmentally sustainable community.
Board or Commission of Interest: Conservation & Sustainability Commission
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend Approval
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town may enter into the proposed urban tree canopy assessment Agreement to accept a grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service in the discretion of the Town Council.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the agreement as presented, and I further recommend that the Town Council authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement pending final legal review by the Town Attorney.
Cost and Financing: $7,500
Account Number: 100-000-0000-00000-33350
Decision Needed by This date: October 11, 2021
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve the agreement as presented with the Virginia Department of Forestry for the urban tree canopy assessment, and I further move to authorize the mayor to execute the agreement pending final legal review by the Town attorney. "
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.