Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/17/2025

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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) Meeting Date: 03/17/2025 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Title: Arbor Month Planting Activity 6. 1. Create a positive image for residential neighborhoods, business districts and key corridors. Information Purpose/Background: As members of the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) may know, in Minnesota, Arbor Day is always observed on the last Friday in April. Additionally, the month of May is recognized as Arbor Month. This year, Staff from the Planning Division and Parks and Recreation Division are coordinating a planting activity in recognition of Arbor Day and Arbor Month. This planting event serves multiple purposes. First, it will satisfy the Arbor Day planting requirement necessary if the City of Ramsey intends to apply for recertification as a Tree City USA. Secondly, this planting activity will represent the first step in starting to replace lost canopy cover as a result of removing Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infested ash trees from boulevard areas (7 EAB-infested ash trees were removed from the boulevard area over the 2022-2023 winter). The planting activity will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, beginning around 6pm. The tree planting will take place along 145th Avenue NW, just east of Rhinestone Street, in The COR (see the attached Site Location Map). Staff still needs to complete an assessment of the site to determine how many suitable planting locations exist along this boulevard (keeping in mind sufficient spacing between not only the trees themselves but also streetlights, street signs, and hydrants, trying to avoid replanting in the exact same locations as the previous trees, and staying out of the vision clearance triangle as defined in City Code Section 106-322), so that the correct number of trees can be ordered. The intention is to have members of both the EPB and the Parks and Recreation Commission actively participate in this Arbor Month planting activity. However, since this activity will occur outside the EPB's regular meeting date, participation is optional. Recommendation: Staff would recommend EPB members plan to participate in the tree planting activity if available. Outcome/Action: No action is needed. This is for informational purposes only. Site Location Map Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 03/13/2025 12:46 PM Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 02/27/2025 03:23 PM Final Approval Date: 03/13/2025