POR 2017 #40 · Agenda item attachment · Feb 13 2017

City of Cambridge O-1 ORIGINAL ORDER IN CITY COUNCIL February 13, 2017 COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX WHEREAS: The health of our urban tree canopy continues to be threatened by the drought conditions that the region has been experiencing; and WHEREAS: Street trees offer significant protection against the adverse impacts of climate change, but are also at risk from increasingly frequent and intense weather events, including droughts, high temperatures, and damaging storms; and WHEREAS: Though efforts have been taken by the City to increase the frequency of tree watering, to plant trees that can withstand the stress of climate change in an urban setting, and to increase public awareness about tree care and stewardship, more aggressive efforts are needed; and WHEREAS: An online petition has come to the City Council and the Department of Public Works, accompanied by over 100 signatures, to form a Tree Task Force to support the Department of Public Works in their efforts to better protect street trees; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Department of Public Works, the City Arborist, and any other appropriate City department to establish a Tree Task Force to better protect the urban canopy; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this in a timely manner.