Urban Forestry Framework Plan Adopted November 19, 2008

Chapter 1.   Introduction

Chapter 2.   Goals, Policies and Objectives (Revised August 11, 2008) -Annotated

Chapter 3.   Technical Memorandum 1: Benefits and Functions Appendix A: Benefits of Trees in Urban Areas Appendix B: University of Washington Fact Sheets

Chapter 4.  Technical Memorandum 2: Existing Conditions Appendix A: Categories and Assignments Appendix B: Photo Inventory

Chapter 5.   Technical Memorandum 3: Existing Plans, Policies, Regulations, Programs and Resources City Ordinances Cover Memo, July  21, 2006 -   Excerpts from Article 13 Excerpts from Article 17 Excerpts from Article 18 Excerpts from Article 19 Excerpts from Article 23 Excerpts from Article 24 Excerpts from Article 30 Municipal Code 6.36 - Encroachment Ordinance Municipal Code 6.42 - Street Tree Ordinance

Chapter 6.   Technical Memorandum 4 : Issues Identification

Chapter 7.   Technical Memorandum 5: Best Practices and Plans from Other Communities Urban Watershed Forestry Manual Part 1 - Methods for Increasing Forest Cover in a Watershed Urban Watershed Forestry Manual Part 2 - Conserving and Planting Trees at Development Sites Urban Watershed Forestry Manual Part 3 - Urban Tree Planting Guide

Chapter 8.   Goals, Policies and Objectives Preliminary Discussion Memo (Refinement of Issues Memo)

The City of Grants Pass has numerous existing tree programs and is a Tree City USA. While the city’s existing tree programs are positive, it is not clear whether the individual programs were working collectively to most effectively provide the benefits of urban trees. The City conducted analysis to contribute to the development of an Urban Forestry Plan to increase the benefits of storm water management & retention, erosion prevention and control, air & water pollution reduction, energy & water conservation, noise suppression, mitigation of urban heat sink, aesthetics, economic benefits, traffic calming, and habitat.

To ensure diverse community interests were represented in the evaluation of the Urban Forestry Plan, an Urban Forestry Steering Committee was formed. The Committee provided input, feedback, and recommendations on the work products developed during the planning process. The input was used to develop and refine work products which were submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption.

On June 25, 2008 the committee presented their recommended Urban Forestry Plan Goals, Policies and Objectives to the Urban Area Planning Commission for public hearing. The Planning Commission suggested revisions to the document and requested that it be taken back to the Urban Forestry Steering Committee for additional consideration. 

On September 8, 2008 the Urban Forestry Committee adopted a revised Goals, Policies and Objectives document dated August 11, 2008.   On October 8, 2008 the Urban Area Planning Commission recommended adoption of the Urban Forestry Framework Plan to City Council.  The Plan was adopted as an element of the Comprehensive Plan by City Council at their November 19, 2008 meeting by Ordinance 5470.