title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for the North Carolina Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program Grant
body
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Department: |
Parks & Recreation |
Meeting Date: |
2/17/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Amy Beatty |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-5838 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution; Attachment #2 Grant application information |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to apply for the North Carolina Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Grant (“Forestry Grant”) for a street tree inventory, tree planting and maintenance, and a tree planting plan, for an estimated $1 million with no match required.
BACKGROUND:
The Forestry Grant is a no-match assistance package designed to help municipalities that have achieved Tree City USA standards to meet tree maintenance and planting needs. The package includes assistance for a street tree inventory to identify tree maintenance needs and vacant planting sites, development of a multiyear planting plan, and funding for contracted tree maintenance and planting.
The City manages an estimated 40,000 street trees. In 2023, City Council adopted the Urban Forestry Master Plan (“UFMP”), which identifies a street tree inventory as the top priority. A street tree inventory provides numerous benefits for urban forest management. By identifying and addressing trees that pose the highest risk, the inventory helps reduce liabilities and improve community safety. Additionally, an inventory improves customer service by minimizing tree-related service requests because the highest priorities are identified.
Proactive maintenance lowers per-tree pruning costs compared to reactive pruning following emergencies or storm damage. Regular pruning also promotes strong tree structure, making trees less susceptible to storm-related failures and reducing future maintenance expenses, particularly as trees mature. These actions support a healthy, sustainable, and equitable urban forest by ensuring consistent care for all public trees, rather than only those flagged by complaints or requests.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of this resolution is recommended.