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Date: June 23, 2025 Item: 7 <br />Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities <br />Section: Parks Report <br /> <br />Title: Tree Inventory Analysis & Maintenance Strategy <br /> <br /> <br />1.Purpose: <br />The purpose of this item is to present the Orono Tree Inventory Analysis and Maintenance <br />Strategy plan to the City Council. <br />2.Background: <br />Since 2019, the City has been using tree inventory grants from the Hennepin County Forestry <br />division to assess the diversity and health of the trees within the City's parks and right-of-ways. In <br />2024, the City received a grant to complete an tree maintenance plan. A maintenance plan is a <br />requirement for most tree management grants. The City of Orono’s Tree Inventory Analysis & <br />Maintenance Strategy, prepared by Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG), focuses on analyzing <br />inventory data, quantifying the benefits provided by the community’s inventoried trees, and <br />identifying their maintenance needs. <br />3.Summary: <br />This project supports the City of Orono’s commitment to community well-being through tree <br />conservation and improved forestry management. The plan provides expert guidance to preserve <br />and grow the urban canopy, ensuring the environmental, economic, and social benefits of trees are <br />sustained for current and future generations. <br /> <br />The report recommends a proactive maintenance approach, focusing first on high-priority pruning <br />and removals, to maximize long-term value, reduce future costs, and enhance urban forest health. <br />4.Cost: <br />The report provides estimates and recommended work schedules for addressing diseased trees on <br />public lands. Tree work is funded by the general fund as part of the Park and Street departments' <br />operating budgets. Some funding is available through state and county grants. <br />5.Staff Recommendation: <br />Staff will be using the tree plan to inform budget proposals for 2026 and beyond. <br />AGENDA ITEM <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED <br />Review the tree plan and provide guidance to staff on priorities and direction. <br />Exhibits <br />Tree Inventory Analysis and Maintenance Strategy <br />Tree Management Planning <br />221