Report to: General Committee                                                          Report Date: April 6, 2009

 

 

SUBJECT:                          Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund Spring 2009 Funding           

PREPARED BY:               Mark Ingwersen, District Manager Operations West, Ext 3000

                                            Nory Takata, Parks Planner Operations, Ext. 3226          

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

1)                  That the staff report entitled Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund Spring 2009 Funding be received;

 

2)                  And that Council approve funding for the four applications in the amount of  $110,000.00,  from the Trees for Tomorrow Fund (account #087-2800-170) as per the recommendations contained in this staff report;

 

3)                  And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to:

·             Provide an overview of the tree planting project applications submitted for

        spring funding and reviewed by the Environmental Issues Committee on March

        31, 2009

·             Recommend Spring funding based on the review and comment of the EIC

 

BACKGROUND:

Staff are pleased to bring forward four tree planting project submissions for this inaugural Markham Trees for Tomorrow funding term which, upon approval, will contribute over 26,000 new trees across the Town of Markham.

Below are the project descriptions and recommendations for Spring funding:

 

1.      10,000 Trees for the Rouge – 20th Annual Wildlife Habitation Restoration: Requesting $20,000 for trees and silvicultural and educational materials for tree planting.

This is the 20th Anniversary Tree Planting Event for 10,000 Trees for the Rouge, a well-established and dedicated group of volunteers, whose one day planting events draw upwards of 1,500 volunteers from the community. Committee members include scout leaders, teachers, and a Registered Professional Forester.

 

       Project Deliverables include:

·             the restoration of approximately 5 acres of urban green space to native

        forest cover through the planting of a mixture of 6,000 coniferous and

        deciduous tree species, selected on the basis of site suitability, hardiness

        and maintenance requirements

·             follow-up monitoring, watering and necessary post planting maintenance

·             recognition via signage, media coverage and ceremonial tree planting

 

 

              

       The total project cost is $131,238 with $53, 500 of funding provided by other sources        

       and $57,738 worth of in kind support. The $20,000 requested from the Trees for

       Tomorrow Fund will be used to supply:  $4,475 worth of silvicultural supplies

       (tarps, tree guards, root protection); $15,000 towards the purchase of 2000 trees 

       and 250 native shrubs; and $525 for the printing of a poster for on site planting

       instruction.

        

       The Environmental Issues Committee resolved to approve the10,000 Trees funding

       application, subject to verification that that the land has not been used as agricultural

       land for the last five years.  This has since been verified by staff at the Toronto and

       Region Conservation Authority.

        

       Recommendation: That 10,000 Trees for the Rouge request for $20,000 toward this

       20th Anniversary Tree Planting Event be approved and that staff coordinate with the

       event committee to support another successful annual tree planting project.

 

2.      Friends of the Rouge Watershed – Bob Hunter Memorial Park Habitat

Restoration: Requesting $30,000 for trees and silvicultural supplies for tree planting.

Established in 1991, Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) have grown and will be conducting over 120 youth and community tree planting days to improve watershed and ecosystem health. In addition to the tree planting activity, FRW provides students with an outdoor education experience focused on environmental health and the workings of natural systems. FRW’s project team includes a Project manager with Registered Professional Forester standing, a field coordinator with a Resource management background and an education coordinator whose specialty is Environmental Science.

 

Program Deliverables include:

·             The planting of 18,000 native trees and 2,000 native shrubs in Bob Hunter

        Memorial Park

·             Involve the participation of over 1,000 Markham school students and other

        Markham community members

·             Provide on-going post planting watering and maintenance to ensure long

         term survival

·             Recognition via temporary signs and banners at planting sites,

         acknowledgement through media releases, newsletters and web site

 

The total project cost is $198,000, with $168,000 of funding provided by other sources. The $30,000 requested from the Trees for Tomorrow Fund will be used to supply 8,134 native trees, 1000 native shrubs (total of $24,000), 20 kg of native tree seed and 5 kg of native wildflower seed (total of $2,000); and $4,000 for silvicultural needs (rodent guards, weed blankets, shovels and watering provisions).

The Environmental Issues Committee resolved to approve the spring planting plan.

 

Recommendation: That the Friends of the Rouge Watershed’s request for $30,000 be approved and that staff coordinate with FRW staff to ensure the successful completion of their 2009 Spring Planting Project in Bob Hunter Memorial Park.

 

3.      Evergreen – Growing Communities Project: Requesting $30,000 for trees and supplies for Community tree planting project.

 

In 2008, Evergreen partnered with the Town of Markham to conduct four successful Community Tree Planting Events and provided two outreach activities to promote the Trees for Tomorrow Program. In 2009, Evergreen’s Growing Communities Project proposal represents a continuation of this partnership. Many community groups have inquired about the Trees for Tomorrow Fund to conduct a tree planting project, but often lack the experience and technical knowledge to do so without assistance. Evergreen’s Growing Communities proposal will assist in the coordination and stewardship to engage interested community groups to participate in a successful tree planting event as part of the Trees for Tomorrow Program. Town staff will coordinate with Evergreen’s project team to plan and conduct up to eight community tree planting events in 2009.

 

Project Deliverables include:

·             Plan, organize and supervise community tree planting and stewardship

        events

·             Plant 2000 native trees and shrubs

·             Conduct outreach to community groups

·             Deliver site tours, educational presentations and workshops

·             Develop stewardship programs with community volunteers to provide post-

        planting monitoring and maintenance

·             Recognition of Trees for Tomorrow Program / Town via logo placement on

        on-site sign; Town of Markham logo placement on all Growing Communities

        published materials; Listing in Evergreen’s Annual Report

 

The total project cost is $52,600, with $22,600 provided by other sources. The $30,000 requested from the Trees for Tomorrow Fund will be used to supply 2,000 native trees / shrubs ($24,000) with the remaining funds allocated for silvicultural needs (tree guards, mulch mats - $3,000; $2,400 for equipment), volunteer refreshments ($400) and a banner ($200).

 

Recommendation: That Evergreen’s request for $30,000 be approved and that staff coordinates with Evergreen to maximize the Town’s investment in the Growing Communities Project.

 

 

4.      LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program: Requesting $30,000 to continue and expand the Backyard Tree Planting Pilot Program of 2008

 

The not-for-profit organization, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) is dedicated to the protection and improvement of the urban forest. In 2008, LEAF conducted a highly successful Backyard Tree Planting Pilot Program delivered in partnership with York Region and the Town. The front line delivery of the Backyard Tree Planting Program is performed by two ISA Certified Arborists who ensure that high quality standards are maintained from the initial site assessment to the planting of the tree, after which, post-planting tree care and maintenance education is provided to the homeowner.   

 

Program Deliverables include:

·             Participation of 165 households  

·             Plant 280 native trees

·             Plant 230 native shrubs

·             Provide tree care guide to all participating households

·             Provide outreach and educational opportunities to Markham residents

·             Recognition of Town via: recognition on LEAF web site, recognition on  

        LEAF print material and at annual general meeting

 

The total project cost is $97,500 with $25,000 from other sources, an additional $37,000 from the client fees and $5,500 of in kind donations. The $30,000 requested from the Trees for Tomorrow Fund will be used to cover the cost of plant materials and planting costs ($17,500); the remainder ($12,500) to cover the site consultations and office coordination.

 

Recommendation: That LEAF’s request of $30,000 be approved and the exception to guidelines (trees and materials only) be made in this case to ensure that Markham residents continue to have access to the program and Markham continue to benefit from LEAF’s activity in the Town.

 

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

None.

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE:

The balance of the Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund for 2009 (acct. # 087-2800-170) is $223,368. This report recommends funding for four tree planting projects for a total of $110,000. An additional $17,000 has been previously approved for the Urban Forest Studies Partnership bringing the total for Spring Funding to $127,000. Funds would be drawn from Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund. The submission deadline for fall funding is September 18, 2009.

 

 

Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund:  Spring Funding 2009

 

 

 

Total Funding Available

 

223,368

 

 

 

Funding-Approved

 

 

Urban Forest Studies Partnership (approved March 10, 2009)

17,000

 

 

 

206,368

Funding - Pending Approval

 

 

10,000 Trees for the Rouge

20,000

 

Friends of the Rouge Watershed

30,000

 

Evergreen - Growing Communities Project

30,000

 

LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program

30,000

 

 

 

96,368

 

 

 

2009 Remaining Balance

 

96,368

 

 

 

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS

Not Applicable

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The Trees for Tomorrow Fund aligns with the Environment, Parks, Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan and Diversity strategic priorities.

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Finance

Planning and Urban Design

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED

                            BY:    ________________________          ________________________

                                      Peter Loukes, P. Eng.                         Brenda Librecz

                                      Director, Operations                           Commissioner, Community and Fire Services

 

ATTACHMENTS:

ATTACHMENT 1       10,000 Trees for the Rouge

ATTACHMENT 2       Friends of the Rouge Watershed

ATTACHMENT 3       Evergreen – Growing Communities Project

ATTACHMENT 4       LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program