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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUrban & Community Forestry Grant ProgramBID NUMBER: RFP/DF-04/Or 9 OPENING DATE: JUNE " 2005 @ 2:OOp.m ATTACHMENT D (CONTINUED) 2005 EMERGENCY HURRICANE SUPPLEMENTAL URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM The Little Haiti section of the City of Miami's tree inventory has been compromised. During two tropical storm systems; Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne, 200 trees were toppled over obstructing the right-of-way in the City of Miami. A proportion of Little Haiti's tree canopy was lost. This consisted of diseased trees and/or trees with a weak root system; especially the ficus. Although the current tree inventory is not compatible to South Florida climate, losing these trees as well as an existing dearth of trees has made this section exposed to pending storm events. This is significant because the tree canopy in Miami -Dade County is already listed at below 10%; more than 20% below the national average. Losing 200 trees is detrimental to an area whose tree inventory is well below the national average. According to the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, "there are more Royal Poinciana trees in Miami than in Madagascar," which this tree is native to. (http://www.tfts.org/spring 2000 newsletter.htm) The rationale is that 1) if the tree inventory in the City of Miami is primarily comprised of Royal Poinciana Trees and these trees have weak root systems and have potential for rotting 2) the City lost 200 trees, 3) the remaining trees are Royal Poinciana trees and are documented to be weak trees and can fall during the next tropical storm; and 4) the tree canopy in Miami -Dade is already 20% below the national average, the conclusion is that the City of Miami's below 10% tree inventory can drop to an even lower percentage if another tropical storm or greater hits the area. It is for these reasons that the City of Miami's Department of Public Works needs a grant in the amount of $75,000 from the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program to reforest. Grant as well as matching funds will be used to replant trees in areas of Little Haiti that are devoid of trees. Demonstrated Need: Storm Impact in the Project Area: As a result of Tropical Storm winds received during both Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, the tree canopy was significantly reduced. The Department of --Public Works -removed-200 -trees-that-were-toppled-over.- -The--200 trees that did not -survive -the two storm events were either the Ficus or Royal Poinciana trees. Although these trees have a very wide and tall canopy, they have a very superficial and a weak root system. Little Haiti has older Royal Poinciana trees that are not resistant to wind. Also, these trees get damaged by tree pruning. These trees are susceptible to breakage either at the crotch due to poor collar formation, or the wood itself is weak and tends to break. Supporting Documents Included: Documentation of impact of both storm events, please find copies of Call Logs (supplement to Attachment D). These represent the number of the residents that complained of downed trees to the Department of Public Works. Also, please see photographs (supplement to Attachment D) depicting the damage�s'well as the cost incurred for removing the downed trees. These trees were removed within two (2) twenty-four hour periods in order to open up the public right of way. Goals and Objectives: Measurable End Results of the Project: The goal of this proposed project is to increase and improve the tree canopy of the Little Haiti section of Miami. As a result of the tree -planting project, there will be fewer cars parking on the swales, Tess soil erosion (see pictures supplement Attachment D), improved drainage, and more shade for cooler temperatures. Additionally we will work to educate the community regarding the values of having a green canopy. Trees will be planted at joint property lines and spaced a maximum of sixty feet apart. This will BID NUMBER: RFP/DF-04/05 OPENING DATE: JUNE 3, 005 @ 2:00p.m contribute to cleaner air and other environmental benefits, as well as enhancing the beautification and property values, making this area an attractive place to live and invest. We will work with local schools, civic groups, and conservation societies to develop community education literature and activities. The City is partnering with the Trust for Public Land (TPL), who has experience with urban reforestation. This reforestation will work with TPL to facilitate direct community involvement by having volunteers plant trees, thereby creating ownership and developing a tree care program. Long -Term Management of the Project Area: The City of Miami currently employs four (4) certified arborists to help preserve the health of all tree species planted by the County. The arborists inspect and supervise tree selection, plantings and removals as well as oversee and supervise tree trimming and pruning operations. The aforementioned activities are in an effort to provide adequate structure and canopy of all trees which will be conducive to their long-term growth, overall health towards protecting the surrounding environment. These professionals apply the most current arboricultural techniques and methods and landscaping industry standards. Technical Correctness: Supervision and Monitoring of the Project. Supervision and Monitoring of this project will be conducted by the city's certified arborist Tim Smith who works as an Acting Superintendent in the City of Miami's Department of Public Works, Operations Division. Mr. Smith will comply with Miami -Dade County guidelines on tree planting. Recognized Specifications and Standards to be followed: Miami -Dade County's Division of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) has guidelines on tree planting in the county on public rights -of -way. Miami -Dade follows guidelines for removal, trimming and relocation as set forth by the 1SA international Society of Arboriculture. Miami -Dade County Department of Public Works has additional guidelines. Cost -Effectiveness: Sources of Cash, Labor, Materials, and Other Resources: The City's Neighborhood Enhancement Team from Little Haiti will provide support in terms of city services. Homeowners and civic organizations will provide volunteers and support. Miami -Dade County's Division --of-€nvironmental-Management__(DERM)_will__ assist__ the City_w.ith__coordination_ of IS mapping. Sources of Matching Resources: Grant funding in the amount of $18,750 will be matched from the Department of Public Works' Budget. (Please see Resolution Attachment G). Additionally, the City will incur an in -kind match of $1,400 for general labor to maintain the green canopy. Operations Division - General Maintenance Repairer and an Automatic Equipment Operator II and equipment costs for the City are $3,400. Partnerships Contributing to Project Completion: The City of Miami in these endeavors is partnering with Citizens for a Better South Florida and Trust for Public Land to facilitate community - wide participation. Please see Attachment L for letters of support from Citizens for a Better South Florida and Trust for Public Land. Citizens for a Better South Florida as well as Trust for Public Land are committed and experienced in outreach programs for students, teachers and community organizations, including activities such as, environmental field trips, tree plantings, and habitat restoration. Also, please see flyer in Attachment L which broadcasts a recent "community tree planting party" in another section of the City. Documentation of Cost Figures Listed in the Budget Sheet: As per the RFP including documentation was optional. Including these would have increased the page count to over the limit. Tree City USA Certification (current as of 2003): NIA Tree City USA Growth Award (current as of 2003): N/A Other Information to Support Approval of this Project: Please see Attachment L for letters of support from local politicians and community organizations.