By Jocelyn Bogen
July 14, 2008

The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Community Trees Task Force June 20, led by Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, held a discussion on using native tree species and utilizing storm recovery plans as a response to extreme weather conditions, such as ice storms, droughts, wind damage/tornados, and snow.

Fargo advised mayors that in late August, The Home Depot Foundation and the Conference of Mayors will be soliciting input from mayors for a "State Of Community Trees" survey and report. During the winter meeting held in January, the Community Trees Task Force tasked Conference staff to undertake a survey of current efforts, to produce a baseline of information — essentially, the state of community trees. The Conference will be seeking information on the exemplary community tree initiatives/efforts that can be shared by all mayors and other stakeholders concerned with the management and care of the urban trees.

Fred Wacker, Director & Chief Operating Officer, of the Home Depot Foundation gave an update on the 2008 Excellence in Community Tree Awards and shared information on how the foundation is assisting cities with their local tree efforts.

"This year the entire country has been affected in some way or another by extreme weather conditions. The impact of storm –damaged trees cannot be underestimated by mayors. Trees topple over or break apart and affect municipalities by disrupting utilities, clogging streets and increasing the recovery costs," Fargo said. "Safety for the public and the crew that assists with clean up is a serious post'storm concern for leaders," she added.

Dan Lambe, Vice President of Programs with the Arbor Day Foundation gave a presentation on catastrophic storm recovery tools. The Arbor Day Foundation developed a "Storm Recovery — Trees" media kit that can assist mayors with post storm preparation. Lambe emphasized that during the ensuing chaos following these storms, public safety becomes compromised when homeowners and unlicensed tree contractors take matters into their own hands. Lambe said, " Plan; plan; plan; the storm is coming!" When planning for severe storms he advised task force members to focus on maintaining safety, seek the help of licensed tree care professionals and to encourage citizens and homeowners to remain calm. " There is a lot of unnecessary damage to important natural resources, with the appropriate emergency response, you can avoid additional expenses to the city and homeowners," said Lambe. The Arbor Day Foundation will be mailing "Storm Recovery — Trees" media kits to USCM members this summer.

tion will be mailing "Storm Recovery — Trees" media kits to USCM members this summer.

Raymond Tretheway, III, Executive Director of Sacramento Trees Foundation gave a presentation on effective strategies to using native species to overcome environmental extremes. "Some of the many benefits to using native species are the trees are native, and therefore acclimated to the weather, water and general weather patterns," said Tretheway. He also advised mayors to consider the water source for urban forests, and to understand the impact the sidewalks have on root growth.