Report to: General Committee Date Report Authored: May 3, 2010

SUBJECT: Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund - Spring 2010 Funding

PREPARED BY: Mark Ingwersen, District Manager, Operations West, Ext. 3000 and Nory Takata, Parks Planner, Operations, Ext. 3226

RECOMMENDATION:

1) That the staff report entitled Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund - Spring 2010 Funding be received;

2) And that Council approve funding for the four applications in the amount of $97,500 from the Trees for Tomorrow Fund (account #700-101-5399-10221) 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 24, 2010

· 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 the 2010 Markham Trees for Tomorrow Spring funding term which, upon approval, will contribute approximately 20,000 new trees across the Town of Markham.

1. 10,000 Trees for the Rouge – 21^st Annual Wildlife Habitation Restoration: Requesting $7,500 for trees and silvicultural supplies for tree planting.

This is the 21^st Annual 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 6.5 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

· increase diversity of native flora by planting 1,500 wildflower plugs to reduce pollinator decline

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

· recognition via signage, media coverage and ceremonial tree planting

The total project cost is $131,547 with $60,135 of funding provided by other sources, $63,912 worth of in kind support. The $7,500 requested from the Markham Trees for

Tomorrow Fund will be used to supply: $1,500 worth of silvicultural supplies (tarps, tree guards, root protection); $6,000 towards the purchase of 1,500 native trees.

The Environmental Issues Committee resolved to approve the10, 000 Trees funding application based on the merits of the planting plan and the fact that the planting site has not been used for agricultural production for more than five years.

Recommendation: That 10,000 Trees for the Rouge request for $7,500 toward this 21^st Annual 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 11,400 native trees and 1,500 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 $161,832 with $131,832 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, 1500 native shrubs (total of $21,000), 20 kg of native tree seed and 1,000 native wildflower plugs (total of $2,500); and $7,500 for silvicultural needs (rodent guards, weed blankets, shovels and watering provisions).

The Environmental Issues Committee resolved to approve FRW’s 2010 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 2010 Spring Planting Project in Bob Hunter Memorial Park.

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

In 2009, Evergreen partnered with the Town of Markham to conduct five successful Community Tree Planting Events, three Community Stewardship Events and provided two outreach activities to promote the Trees for Tomorrow Program. In 2010, Evergreen’s Common Grounds Project proposal represents a continuation of this partnership and build on the success of the 2009 program.

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 $53,600, with $23,600 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 - $2,500; $3,100 for equipment) and volunteer refreshments ($400).

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

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

The not-for-profit organization, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) is dedicated to the protection and improvement of the urban forest. In 2009, 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. In addition to the Backyard Tree Planting Program, LEAF conducted one Urban Forest Workshop in addition to offering the 3 day Tree Tenders Course in the fall of 2009.

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 2010 (acct #700-101-5399-10221) is $170,000 as of April 13, 2010. This report recommends funding for four tree planting projects for a total of $97,500. Funds will be drawn from the Markham Trees for Tomorrow.

Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund: Spring Funding 2010

Total Funding Available (as of April 13, 2010)		170,000

Funding - Pending Approval
10,000 Trees for the Rouge	7,500
Friends of the Rouge Watershed	30,000
Evergreen – Common Grounds Project	30,000
LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program	30,000	97,500


2010 Remaining Balance (after the projects are approved)		72,500

Part of the remaining balance will be used to complete other Trees for Tomorrow Program projects scheduled for 2010.

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