TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Parks |
Loreen Hamilton |
425-556-2336 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Parks |
David Tuchek |
Deputy Director Parks |
|
Parks |
Darcey Rayner Shepard |
Park Operations Manager |
TITLE:
title
Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan Implementation Update
recommendation
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
body
In the 2023-2024 budget cycle, the Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan (CRSVM) was developed with a consultant. Once complete, the Parks department began implementation of that plan through testing sites for naturalized meadows, incorporating climate resilient species lists for any new project designs or replacement of existing plants and trees, changing our leaf management practices, cultivating wildflower meadows and pollinator gardens, identifying areas for tree canopy and understory expansion, testing more resilient turf mixes to reduce irrigation needs long term, programming a public tree giveaway program, and began the electrification of our equipment.
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
2023/24 City of Redmond Adopted Budget, 2025/26 City of Redmond Adopted Budget, Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan, 2023 PARCC Plan, Tree Canopy Strategic Plan, Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, 20-Year Forest Management Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Building upon previous City planning efforts related to environmental sustainability, the consultant developed a plan focused on actionable items and strategies resulting in a more climate resilient and sustainable natural environment. Strategies included, but not limited to, tree canopy expansion on public and private lands, rewilding City owned properties, replacing formal lawns areas with naturalized meadows/pollinator habitat, modifications of maintenance practices, future equipment electrification recommendations, adjusting tree/plant species (varieties) to align with climate change, and additional carbon sequestration opportunities. Parks began implementation in 2024 and this work will continue for years to come as we adjust our best management practices to create and maintain spaces that align with our CRSVM Plan and work toward our climate action goals.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Outreach occurred during and after plan development and continues through city website and social media posts.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
During plan development stakeholder focus groups, digital media, in-person outreach, and collateral were used to engage the community. During implementation, outreach and education efforts are being focused through social media, the city website, and through signage on site at test areas. Tree planting and care information also available with our Tree Giveaway event.
• Feedback Summary:
Feedback has been mostly supportive of our implementation efforts with strong engagement online and tremendous participation in our first Tree Giveaway event.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$300,000 Landscape Conversions (CIP), $400,000 Tree Canopy Expansion (CIP), General Fund Operations Costs, Levy Fund Operating Costs
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
CIP - Parks, 0000263 Parks, Trails & Open Space
Budget Priority:
Healthy & Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
Changing our best practices for maintaining spaces to align with CRSVM Plan when possible. Some efficiencies gained and some lost as we move to sustainable practices. Long term benefits will include reductions in irrigation needs for the fescue seed mix, with an initial investment of 50% more costly seed for renovation vs traditional rye mixes, along with reductions in emissions and costs for converting equipment as we electrify more pieces, and additional plant costs as we add pollinator-friendly plantings to existing shrub beds systemwide. Current CIP projects include ROW Conversions and Urban Forestry Plantings projects.
Funding source(s):
CIP, General Fund, Levy
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/22/2025 |
Study Session |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan
Attachment B: 2026 CRSVM Update