Author: Vince Mikulanis

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Save the City of San Diego Tree Budget Campaign – Part 2

Budget hearings were held on May 2 and 3 that included the urban forestry programs. The “ask” has now shifted, and we hope you will send messages about adding essential urban forestry professionals, and keeping the “free tree” program tree planting funds in FY 2019. 

It was great to hear Councilmembers articulating the connections between trees, quality of life, and urban forest management!  At the Wednesday May 2 hearing on Sustainability programs, virtually all Council members mentioned urban forestry funding AND the tree canopy goals in the Climate Action Plan.

On Thursday May 3, the Director of the Transportation & Stormwater Department commented that the shade tree trimming reduction was likely to be restored in the “May revised budget” (likely sent from Mayor to Council by May 15). 

In last year’s “May revise,” the Mayor added $100,000 for additional tree planting, and in June, the approved budget raised this to $300,000. So revisits and revisions are possible, and additional professional staff could still be added if the Council and Mayor are persuaded that this is a priority. for community members and voters. 

Quite a few letters and emails have been received on the urban forestry budget. HOORAY and thank you!

An article by Joshua Smith carried these messages on Sunday, May 6, http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-forestry-plan-20180501-story.html , “Faulconer to trim forestry budget as climate-plan pledge to plant more trees fails to bloom.”

The proposed FY 2019 budget keeps the City at the low, ineffective, overwhelmed, overworked staffing levels.  So we ask you to send another email or letter to the Mayor and Council.

Send messages today (or by Friday, May 11) to KevinFaulconer@sandiego.gov, myrtlecole@sandiego.gov, barbarabry@sandiego.gov, chrisward@sandiego.gov, markkersey@sandiego.gov, loriezapf@sandiego.gov, scottsherman@sandiego.gov, davidalvarez@sandiego.gov, georgettegomez@sandiego.gov, slomedico@sandiego.gov, KMcFadden@sandiego.gov, kreeser@sandiego.gov  and cc: afege@sdrufc.com

Suggested messages about $300,000 for planting trees.

  • The “free tree program” is a small but visible and measurable implementation step for the Climate Action Plan.
  • The “Free tree” program was set up in FY 2018, with outreach, process to request trees, and contract planting of 2,000 trees. If discontinued, the momentum and future tree canopy investments will be lost.
  • This funding needs to become part of the base budget, as a cost-effective way to work with property owners and community groups to request, water, and take care of trees.

 

Suggested reasons for adding 2 FTE in FY 2019 for $200,000 and committing to 4 more next year (or ask for 4 FTE this year).

  • Urban forestry professionals provide quality oversight of tree contracts, inspect and protect trees, respond to tree complaints, and offer strategic leadership.
  • Fifteen staff are needed to implement the Five-year Urban Forest Management Plan; as of May 7, there will be three professionals (and five tree care workers). See detailed staffing rationale in letter to Mayor and Council at January17 Letter . 

 

Work that doesn’t get done by two professionals (soon to be three).

  • There simply is insufficient capacity to respond to tree complaints, issues, and inspections. 
  • This will (and does) cause more tree losses and increases City exposure to liabilities and lawsuits.
  • Assignment of work and oversight of contractors and City’s tree care workers is jeopardized by having only one (very qualified and competent) field arborist.
  • The Invasive Shot Hole Borer is spreading locally, one of several tree pests that need to be evaluated and addressed by the City’s urban forestry professionals.
  • Budget direction includes transfer of code compliance officer position (starting work on May 7), which shifts but does not add staff and abandons proactive code enforcement. 

 

The residents, visitors, and the trees of the City of San Diego thank you, for believing in tree care and taking time to show your support!

For more information, contact Anne S. Fege, Ph.D., Chair, Community Forest Advisory Committee for City of San Diego, afege@sdrufc.com.

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The Salvaged Tree Jubilee! May 20th

Come join Tree San Diego and Treejuvenation at the Salvaged Tree Jubilee.  An afternoon of story telling, problem solving and celebration.  Learn more about salvaged urban lumber, see live wood milling demonstrations, browse urban wood crafts from local artisans and relax with music by Ashley Manzanec.  San Diego Botanical Gardens.  May 20th.  10am to 2pm.  The event is free but please RSVP!  https://www.facebook.com/events/133590447468409/

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Tree Canopy Maps and Data Workshop

The long-awaited data layers for all cities in San Diego County are finally uploaded to SanGIS (in the “ecology” set).  Local GIS experts are working with arborists, planners, health professionals, and communities to map and analyze the data. Please join us for a workshop on Wednesday morning, June 6 at the War-Memorial Building in Balboa Park, same location as the two workshops in 2016. Register at https://treecanopy-june6.eventbrite.com.   

  • How do I use maps to see the trees in my community?
  • How can professionals use tree canopy layers for plans and projects?
  • Where can trees be planted to improve public health, provide ecosystem services, and meet Climate Action Plans?

 

Draft agenda:

  • 9:30 Registration, coffee, and introductions
  • 10:00 Recap of workshops in April and October 2016 (data collection and results)
  • 10:15 Tree canopy data analysis (results and how to access and use data)
  • 10:45 Tree canopy maps, where are the trees and where can more be planted (how to access and use maps)
  • 11:00 Break
  • 11:15 Case study with District 8 (City of San Diego)
  • 11:40 Trees, shade and cooling, and public health benefits
  • 11:50 Interim report and next steps
  • 12:00 Adjourn

 

The data layers for all cities in San Diego County are available at SanGIS (San Diego Geographic Information Source, www.sangis.org). Access to data is free, more information at http://www.sangis.org/download/index.html.  The layers are in the “Ecology” section, all named as TREECANOPY.  

 

Workshops were held on April 5 and October 5, 2016 (also at the War-Memorial Building), attended by 60 and 110 colleagues on the respective dates. University of Vermont scientist Jarlath O’Neill-Dunne outlined the planned assessment and share preliminary results. Since then, the data has been transferred to SanGIS; the City of San Diego is developing maps to display the tree canopy with other map layers; and scientists at UCSD are analyzing the data from a regional perspective.  The turnover of City Forester caused some delay, as Jeremy Barrick took a job in his home state of Minnesota, and Brian Widener started as City Forester in September 2017. A report will be prepared after the workshop, to include analyses and how to access and use the tree canopy layers.

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Save the City of San Diego Tree Budget Campaign!

The Mayor’s proposed FY 2019 budget for the City of San Diego was released on April 12, and funding reductions are again proposed for urban forestry. Please help us restore the shade tree pruning and tree planting funds, and add essential urban forestry professionals.

Trees are a critical, very underfunded, and unrecognized element of the Mayor’s three budget goals to “put neighborhoods first, create a better quality of life for all communities, and maintain restored services throughout the city.” (from FY 2019 budget webpage, https://www.sandiego.gov/fm/proposed/). Trees contribute directly to all three!

Please join us in the “Save the Tree Budget” campaign. Send messages to Mayor and Council to fund tree care.

  • Restore $900,000 for shade tree pruning.
  • Continue $300,000 for “free tree” initiative.
  • Add $200,000 for two urban forestry professionals.

Send messages to KevinFaulconer@sandiego.gov, myrtlecole@sandiego.gov, barbarabry@sandiego.gov, chrisward@sandiego.gov, markkersey@sandiego.gov, loriezapf@sandiego.gov, scottsherman@sandiego.gov, davidalvarez@sandiego.gov, georgettegomez@sandiego.gov, slomedico@sandiego.gov, KMcFadden@sandiego.gov, kreeser@sandiego.gov (with cc to afege@sdrufc.com)

How will San Diegans benefit from Tree Budget restoration?

  1. Trees are a critical, very underfunded, and unrecognized element of the Mayor’s three strategic budget goals to “put neighborhoods first, create a better quality of life for all communities, and maintain restored services throughout the city.” Trees contribute directly to all three!
  2. The “free tree program” is a small but visible and measurable implementation step for the Climate Action Plan.
  3. Urban forestry professionals provide quality oversight of tree contracts, inspect and protect trees, and respond to tree complaints. Fifteen staff are needed to implement the Five-year Urban Forest Management Plan, and there are currently seven staff.

What are the impacts of the budget cuts?

  1. Shade tree pruning maintains tree health and increases tree canopy for climate action. Scheduled tree inspection and pruning can immediately reduce litigation payments for tree damage.
  2. “Free tree” program was set up in FY 2018, with outreach, process to request trees, and contract planting of 2,000 trees. If discontinued, the momentum and future tree canopy investments will be lost.
  3. There simply is insufficient capacity to respond to tree complaints, issues, and inspections. This will (and does) cause more tree losses and increases City exposure to liabilities and lawsuits,
  4. Contract oversight to ensure quality work to prune, inspect, replace, and preserve existing trees is jeopardized by having only one (very qualified and competent) field arborist.
  5. The Invasive Shot Hole Borer is spreading locally, one of several tree pests that need to be evaluated and addressed by the City’s urban forestry professionals.
  6. Budget direction includes transfer of code compliance officer position, which shifts but does not add staff.

Transportation & Storm Water proposed FY 2019 budget, https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/fy19pb_v2tsw.pdf .

For more information, contact Anne S. Fege, Ph.D., Chair, Community Forest Advisory Committee for City of San Diego, afege@sdrufc.com.

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Help with GSOB Surveys Needed!

Several hundred coast live oak trees are infested with Gold Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) in the canyon, and field surveys are now being done by the City of San Diego rangers and Friends of Penasquitos to assess the damage. Are you interested in surveying for a half- or full-day?  If so, please contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com
The following surveys are needed by June 1 in Penasquitos Canyon, each about three hours.
  • Carson Crossing to the Waterfall, northside
  • Waterfall to Sycamore Crossing, northside
  • Sycamore to West End, northside
  • Ridgewood Community Park to I-15 and Cara Knot Way and Memorial Garden (half done), southside
  • Pump Station east to the dam
  • Dam east to Trailhead near Waterpoint
  • Trailhead east to Springbrook southside
  • Springbrook east to Springhurst southside
  • PQ Creek Crossing east to ranch  house (if County not taking responsibility)
Lopez Canyon
  • Trailhead at west end to Old Lopez Rd\
  • Old Lopez Road to Lopez Ridge Park
  • Lopez Ridge Park to Montongo St.
Initial “drive-by” surveys have already been done. Field survey information is recorded on an app that uses ESRI mapping software and has a drop-down menu with choices.  For example, what percentage of the canopy is still present? How many exit holes of the GSOB are present? Is there staining typical of GSOB? Is the tree dead or alive?
These field surveys will be used to identify infested and adjacent uninfested trees for spray application of Carbaryl on trunks and large limbs.  Over the past several years, sprays have slowed the symptoms in the Lake Hodges area, three campgrounds of the Cleveland National Forest, and eight county parks. Information from quarterly GSOB Situation Reports, contact  afege@aol.com if you’d like report copies or links,
Since many of us have witnessed and worried about GSOB spread for the past decade in sensitive and favorite places, participation in this survey may be a way to transform concern into action.
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April 4th Meeting – Invasive Shot Hole Borer…Coming to a Tree Near You!

Our April 4th meeting will be held at:

City of San Diego

War Memorial Building in Balboa Park (ROOM 3), 3325 Zoo Drive. Free parking in the north part of the Zoo parking lot.

This meeting will be held from 11:00am to 1:30pm

This meeting will have 1 CEU’s for Arborist / Tree Worker Certification.

https://sdrufc_april4.eventbrite.com

This Months topic will be:

Invasive Shot Hole Borer…
Coming to a tree near you! 

How to identify symptoms of infestation in different host species, how to survey, sample, and trap ISHB and what the current management recommendations are including discussion on Soil Injection/Topical/Trunk Injection.

Presented by

Beatriz E. Nobua-Behrmann, PH.D.
University of California Cooperative Extension, Orange County

and

Lee Wozniak
Target Specialty Products

Beatriz E. Nobua-Behrmann, PH.D. BIO
Beatriz is a Research Associate at the University of California Cooperative Extension in Orange County. Her research background is in ecology and insect-plant interactions. She got her doctorate degree on insect ecology from the University of Buenos Aires, in Argentina. She is currently managing the Invasive Pests project at UCCE, focused mainly on the Invasive Shot-Hole Borer beetle.

Lee Wozniak BIO
Lees has worked for Target specialty products for 29 years as a horticulturist, Pest Control Advisor and Certified Crop Advisor.  He is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a BS degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

This meeting will cost $20.00 with lunch included
RSVP by Friday March 30, 2018 https://sdrufc_april4.eventbrite.com

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Invasive Shot Hole Borer Quarterly Situation Report

“Pick a tree at random anywhere in Southern California and examine it closely. Chances are good that you will find small wet stains on its
trunk. Those wet stains are most likely signs of a fatal tree disease that is spreading throughout the region at an alarming rate, and which
has the potential to significantly change the way Southern California looks.

The disease is called Fusarium dieback, and it is transmitted by one type of fungus-farming beetle: the invasive shot hole borer.

Thought to have arrived in Southern California in packing materials from Southeast Asia, this beetle burrows into trees and grows fungal pathogens
for food. The pathogens then interrupt the transport of water and nutrients within the tree from roots to leaves, eventually causing branch dieback
and possibly death.” – Akif Eskalen, Shannon Lunch.  LA Times 11/30/17

We have posted the quarterly situation report for Invasive Shot Hole Borers on our website.

 

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Promoting trees this Arbor Day Season

Here are some great thoughts from Dana Karcher, with Alliance for Community Trees during this Arbor Day Season.

Every time Congress zeros out the Urban and Community Forestry budget, my phone rings with calls of despair. Usually I respond with this query: When was the last time you told the story of how trees are changing your community to your Congressional representative? When was the last time you put a shovel in their hand and had them join you in a planting?
Our tree planting stories begin at home, not on Capitol Hill. To maintain, or even grow our slice to the budget pie, we must place importance on the projects that make a difference in our towns and cities. We know what trees can do for communities; let’s not keep that secret from our legislators.
Here are a couple of ideas:
· Arbor Day is the perfect time for legislative members to take that perfect photo. Invite them to your celebration, alert the media, and share the benefits of trees with them.
· Start writing letters. (Or continue writing letters.) Keep them brief and focused on what trees do for their constituents. Engage your supporters to do the same thing.
· Share what your community would be like without trees.  Can you imagine? Neither can the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and all of your community cheerleaders. Tell the story of no shade, increased incidences of asthma, heat-island effect, and more particulate matter.
Whatever you choose to do, don’t neglect the opportunity to assure that funding for Community Forestry is part of your daily message.  Lastly, be sure to share your successes with your fellow members. Write us a story! Click here to send us what has been working for you!
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“Remember The Trees” an Art Exhibition by Ruth Waller through April 3rd

“Since 2010, over 100 million trees have died in California alone–ravaged by beetles, drought, fires and more. Humans and trees are bound in reciprocity. In addition to shade, shelter and food, trees produce oxygen and take up the carbon dioxide that we increasingly spew into the atmosphere. In many cultures, trees are a symbol of life itself. What does it mean that the trees are dying?

This exhibition chronicles the ecological changes in a few locations in southern California from Torrey Pines State Park, Mount Cuchama, Mount Laguna and Pine Creek Wilderness in San Diego County, to Joshua Tree, Walker Pass and Alta Sierra further north. Coastal chaparral, pines, oaks, Tecate cypress, and more are represented in sumptuous photomontages that express the dynamic qualities of these environments. As opposed to the grandiose sublime, these visuals encourage active exploration, offering glimpses, or incomplete views at a variety of scales evocative of the enchanted vibrancy of life.”

For more information visit http://visarts.ucsd.edu/events/ruth-wallen-remember-trees

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Master Gardener Spring Seminar

The San Diego Master Gardener Association is hosting their Spring Seminar March 17th from 8am to 3:30pm.  Tree related topics include Selecting Ornamental and Fruit Trees for Your Landscape (Robin Rivet), Exotic Fruits in Your Home Landscape (Carol Graham), plus a wide variety of other related topics like Plant Propagation (Fausto Palafox), drip irrigation, composting, attracting pollinators and more!  Plus a marketplace to purchase plants, new items and gently used books. Check out the flyer or register here!