Continue ongoing programs to collaborate with community organizations to promote tree planting efforts, protection of trees and prairies, and drought tolerant landscapes.
In addition to implementing the Urban Forest Masterplan described in Action EG2, the City will work with community-based organizations on existing and new land stewardship programs that educate residents and businesses about the benefits of tree planting and native, drought tolerant landscapes in North Texas. In addition, the City will provide educational resources on best practices for maintaining mature trees. The City will support partnerships and initiatives that protect and expand the native Blackland Prairies.
The City will continue to support ongoing efforts such as Branch out Dallas and City of Dallas Reforestation Program to offer resources, technical assistance and volunteer labor and encourage private property owners to plant trees on their property.
Definite yes! I have personally benefitted greatly from Branch Out and Citizen Foresters -- which in turn has helped me educate my clients about proper tree planting and care.I'd like to see even more outreach on the city's part (if possible) to promote these programs. Additionally, I would recommend the implementation of some type of tax benefit for landscapes that are water-wise. Effectively monitoring those who run sprinklers illegally is nearly impossible, so incentivizing residents/businesses to use best practice on their own accord would help the city tremendously. I know for me, as a landscape designer, if I could sell my clients a tax credit/benefit of some kind to help convince them to let me use low-water plants -- that would be a game-changer. The more incentives, the better.
One of the functions of healthy forests, parks and green spaces is to serve as links in corridors for urban wildlife. The Trinity River Floodway is one of major contiguous wildlife corridors in urban Dallas and this fact is reinforced every year by the annual photography contests in the corridor which include stunning pictures of the wide variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects and fishes living along and in the river. Rewilding at its heart is about the restoration of habitat complexity and the stewardship of healthy, native plant and animal populations. And, rewilding in the middle of Dallas is also about providing an opportunity for our enjoyment of that wonderful nature that we see depicted in those photographs.
Plans for an initial 160 acre rewilding project have been developed and can be shared with the leadership of the CECAP.
Absolutely all of the above! And add encouraging homeowners to convert front yard lawns to native landscaping.