Agenda (PDF)

BoCC Special Meeting · 2026-07-07 · agenda

[12 SE 1 Street, Gainesville, FL 32601; case 26-00219] Alachua County Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 7, 2026, to discuss and potentially approve updates to the Tree Planting Program Operating Procedure and adopt a resolution defining the appropriate uses of the Tree Mitigation Fund. The Tree Mitigation Fund has a balance of $1,602,433, and the General Fund has a balance of $51,383. The meeting agenda includes updates on the Tree Planting Program, which has planted over 1,800 trees since 2018 with a 91% survival rate. The proposed changes aim to expand planting priorities and clarify fund usage for tree planting, maintenance, professional services, and infrastructure reconfiguration. Several specific planting projects for 2025/2026 are detailed, including locations, estimated tree quantities, and funding sources. The Alachua County Tree Planting Program aims to plant and manage trees throughout the county, benefiting all communities. Over 1,630 trees have been planted in parks, along transportation corridors, and at activity hubs. The program partners with volunteer organizations, who dedicated over 700 hours last year. An Arbor Day event at Alto Lake County Park saw over 100 participants, with over 50 saplings distributed. The program has expanded its Tree Sponsorship Interlocal Agreements to include the Cities of Hawthorne and High Springs and is working with private property owners to plant trees along pedestrian corridors. The program prioritizes planting high-value tree species in urban areas, near roads, stormwater basins, public facilities, and shopping centers. A significant challenge is finding safe spaces for young trees, as development pressure accounts for almost 30% of young tree removals. Extreme weather accounts for over 20% of tree losses, with mechanical damage, herbicide damage, and deer damage accounting for around 10% each. The tree survival rate remains above 90%. Trees planted by the program range from 1-3 inches in diameter and cost $800-$1,200 per tree, with a 3-year establishment period. A 10-inch diameter tree provides about $70 in annual economic benefits, increasing to $175 annually for a 30-inch diameter tree. To further the program, staff recommends allocating resources for public workshops, developing a Community Forest Management Plan, and considering a Tree Advisory Committee.